Italy handed major injury boost with star defender 'optimistic' and Newcastle United midfielder 'recovered'

Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni sat out of his side’s Serie A clash against Fiorentina on Sunday due to an ankle injury with fears he could miss Italy’s crucial qualifier, but the 26-year-old returned to light training on Tuesday.

According to Italian outlet Gazzetta, Bastoni “wants to sit on the bench” at the very least but is pushing to start with the “feeling positive” after he stepped up preparations.

Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali is also set to play his part in Bergamo having recovered from a thigh injury which ruled him out of Sunday’s derby defeat to Sunderland.

Tonali has developed a reputation as one of the Premier League’s best in his position and his absence would have provided a major boost to Northern Ireland’s hopes.

Striker Gianluca Scamacca appears to be the only player certain not to feature against Northern Ireland while Federico Chiesa withdrew from Italy’s squad earlier this week.

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will take his places between the sticks for the four-time World Cup champions with Gazetta reporting Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori, Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini could start in a back-three – concerns over a calf injury to the latter have since eased.

Tonali seems destined to start in midfield alongside Inter’s Nicolo Barella and Manuel Locatelli of Juventus with Federico Dimarco and Andrea Cambiaso providing width from wing-back.

Mateo Retegui, who made a reported €65 million move to the Saudi Pro League from Atalanta last summer, could lead the line with Giacomo Raspadori or Moise Kean both potential partners.

Italy are due to train again at the New Balance Arena on Wednesday in their final preparations for the crucial play-off.