Wilfried Gnonto is expected to start for Italy this evening as Robert Mancini’s side take on Hungary in Budapest this evening. That’s according to Italian news outlet Gazetta Dello Sport, who are tipping the Leeds United youngster to start up front alongside Napoli striker Giacomo Raspadori, who scored the winner on Friday night against England.
It wouldn’t be Gnonto’s full debut for Italy, with starts coming against Hungary and Germany over the last few months. However, with Italy chasing top spot in Group A of the Nations League, it may well be the most important game he has featured in for his country.
Italy currently sit two points behind Hungary in the group, but a win at the Puskas Arena would see the Azzurri progress to the semi-finals of the Nations League for the second time. Anything less than three points would see Hungary through to the final four, with the finals likely to be hosted by the Netherlands next summer.
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Gnonto made a substitute appearance last week against England and picked up his fifth cap in the process, stepping off the bench in the 63 rd minute of the game. He caught the eye in that contest at San Siro, too, with his pace and strength on the ball posing problems for the Three Lions.
Italy haven’t qualified for the World Cup, but the youngster will be keen to impress when he gets the chance in Leeds shirt and keep hold of his spot in Mancini’s plans. The forward only made the move to Elland Road on transfer deadline day and he is still waiting for the chance to make his debut for the Whites.
He has made an appearance for Michael Skubala’s Under-21s and the youngster will be keen to make an impression on Jesse Marsch when he returns to Thorp Arch later this week in the hope of making a debut on Sunday against Aston Villa. Marsch admitted last month, when Leeds were first linked with Gnonto, that he didn’t think the 18-year-old would be ready for Premier League football, but the Italian is expected to be in contention this weekend.
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