Spalletti changes Cambiaso: could become a tactical variant

Spalletti deployed Cambiaso as a deep-lying playmaker against Cremonese, testing him as a tactical option in midfield amid squad absences.

Andrea Cambiaso was used as a playmaker in front of the defence during Italy's friendly against Cremonese, operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation under Luciano Spalletti. The left-back, returning from a month out with ankle trouble, showed improving sharpness as the match progressed, though the performance was not outstanding. With key midfielders Locatelli, Thuram, Koopmeiners, Sarr and Douglas Luiz unavailable, Spalletti experimented with Cambiaso in a central role. The player reverted to his more natural wide position in the second half when younger players entered. The experiment may serve as a tactical variant for future use, though Cambiaso's primary role remains on the flank.