Under new coach Antonio Conte, Italy appears to have turned a new corner following two disastrous World Cup campaigns. Newer faces such as Sassuolo's Simone Zaza and former Eredivisie scoring machine Graziano Pelle (currently with Southampton) have been incorporated into the fold.
Moreover, the former Juventus player and coach has not been afraid to make some drastic modifications. Up until now, Mario Balotelli, seemingly untouchable under Cesare Prandelli, had been left out of Conte's squad. His inclusion, though, for the upcoming clash with Croatia was not without a bit of controversy due to the availability of others who have impressed in Serie A.
In terms of the team, though, Conte has guided the Azzurri to four straight wins and will be hoping to make it five on Sunday. However, the hosts will not have it easy. Despite their own disappointment in Brazil, the Vatreni had not only won every single game since then but also did so without conceding a goal. While that run was stopped by their recent 2-1 defeat to Argentina, Niko Kovac was naturally more focused on his squad's upcoming meeting with Italy. Hence, he opted to field a predominantly second-string line-up and given Croatia played against the likes of Lionel Messi and Sergio Aguero, the result certainly was nor a surprise.
In their past five meetings, Italy have never beaten Croatia. Their last encounter at the EURO 2012 tournament ended as a 1-1 draw with goals from Andrea Pirlo and Mario Mandzukic. Another injury has ruled Pirlo out of contention and Mandzukic will certainly be someone that defenders like Giorgio Chiellini already know quite well.
All in all, given the recent form of both sides, San Siro looks set to host an interesting clash this Sunday. Both are tied with nine points but Croatia boasts a better goal differential. Will the hosts be able to finally win against a familiar foe? Or will the visitors keep their unbeaten streak in qualifiers intact and move three points clear at the summit?
You will have to tune in Sunday to find out.
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