Luciano Spalletti (Photo by STEPHANE DE SAKUTIN/AFP via Getty Images)

Luciano Spalletti confirms he is unlikely to make many changes to his starting XI when Italy host Israel for the fourth round of Nations League matches in Udine on Monday evening, while also clarifying his comments on peace in the Middle East.

Italy vs Israel starts on Monday evening at 7.45pm BST. You can follow all the action as it unfolds on the Football Italia Liveblog. Join us for all the pre-match and post-match reactions.

Spalletti spoke to Rai ahead of the test in a difficult atmosphere in Udine.

He began by expressing solidarity with the UN peacekeepers currently operating in Lebanon.

“I would like to express our solidarity with the soldiers present in the area, with our Italian boys who have been involved in this very difficult peacekeeping mission,” the CT said.

He also took a moment to clarify his previous comments about the hope for peace in the Middle East.

“I don’t think I said anything specific, there are always people who find it useful to poke holes in something they hear. Everyone wants to find the angle they want. When we talk about peace, I think it’s fair for everyone to say so.”

Spalletti confirms minimal changes for Italy versus Israel

Although Italy have already faced France and Belgium, he believes the home game against Israel will be his side’s toughest test of the Nations League season so far.

“It is the most important match of our group. I think because I live on feelings. We have been on the right path so far, but when I hear people talk about competence, I say that competence comes from knowledge. If you have no knowledge, the game can surprise you.”

However, he is happy that Italy’s last match took place on Thursday, which has given the team sufficient recovery time ahead of the game against Israel.

“Thanks to an extra day to recover, we are in a position where we are actually ready. I saw the attitude I wanted to see on the boys’ faces after the match in Belgium.”

He also explained why he likely won’t make many changes to his lineup. Guglielmo Vicario has been confirmed as starter in goal, while there will be a forced change in attack following Lorenzo Pellegrini’s red card against Belgium.

“I won’t change much because they have all recovered. We need balance and I will trust the same players again, even if those who have played less also show that they can be in the starting line-up.”

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