Report: Italy could turn to Gabbiadini, Jorginho in crunch Sweden clash

Italy head coach Gian Piero Ventura seems ready to make changes.

Southampton striker Manolo Gabbiadini could join Ciro Immobile in attack, while Jorginho and Alessandro Florenzi will be drafted into midfield for Monday's do-or-die clash versus Sweden, according to Sky Sport Italia's Gianluca Di Marzio.

Lorenzo Insigne, however, is likely to remain on the substitutes' bench.

Ventura is apparently in no mood to stray from the 3-5-2 formation he used in Friday's 1-0 defeat in Solna, with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, and Giorgio Chiellini set to retain their places. Bonucci will wear a face mask after suffering a blow to the nose early in the first leg.

Of all the proposed changes, Gabbiadini's inclusion is the most surprising. He's some way down the pecking order, but concerns over the fitness of Andrea Belotti and Simone Zaza has reportedly led Ventura to the Saints man.

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News of Insigne's exclusion will likely rattle supporters who've fired vitriol in the coach's direction over the past 48 hours. A protagonist in Napoli's high-flying attack, the tricky 26-year-old winger is arguably the most talented player on the squad.

But the involvement of both Jorginho and Florenzi is expected to be met with rejoice. The former has yet to make his full international debut with the Azzurri, although his passing ability will certainly help in the absence of the suspended Marco Verratti.

(Courtesy: Sky Sport Italia)

Italy must win Monday's match by at least a two-goal margin to ensure World Cup qualification. Only a 1-0 score would send the tie to extra time.

More than 70,000 people are expected to fill the stands at the Stadio San Siro.