BERGAMO, Italy – Federico Chiesa has been recalled to the Italy national team for the first time in nearly two years, as coach Gennaro Gattuso announced a 28-man squad on Friday for their upcoming World Cup playoff matches. The Azzurri face a daunting task to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, having failed to qualify for the previous two tournaments.
Italy will first host Northern Ireland in Bergamo on March 26th, with the winner advancing to a final playoff match five days later against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. The stakes are incredibly high for the four-time World Cup champions, who are desperate to avoid a prolonged absence from international football’s biggest stage.
Chiesa, currently with Liverpool, last featured for Italy during the Euro 2024 Round of 16 defeat to Switzerland. His return provides a significant boost to Gattuso’s options, though his limited playing time at club level this season – just one Premier League start – raises questions about his match fitness. The 28-year-old forward has nonetheless remained a popular figure with Liverpool fans, known for his energetic play and passionate commitment.
The squad also sees the return of Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli, both of whom have been absent from the national team for almost two years. Cagliari’s Marco Palestra has earned his first senior call-up, marking a recent face in the Italian setup.
Yet, Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been dropped from the squad, with Gattuso opting for Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), and Alex Meret (Napoli) as his goalkeeping options. Donnarumma, now at Manchester City, remains the established number one.
Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali has been included despite suffering an injury during a Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday. Examinations have thankfully ruled out a serious muscle lesion for the midfielder, allowing him to remain with the squad. This is a relief for Gattuso, who values Tonali’s contributions.
Italy’s recent history in World Cup qualifying has been fraught with disappointment. They were eliminated in the playoffs by Sweden before the 2018 tournament and suffered a shocking defeat to North Macedonia in 2022, missing out on a place in Qatar. Gattuso is under immense pressure to break this cycle and restore Italy to its former glory.
The upcoming matches represent a critical juncture for Italian football. A failure to qualify would extend their period in the international wilderness and raise serious questions about the future direction of the national team. The pressure will be particularly intense in the second leg, should they progress past Northern Ireland, with a trip to either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina awaiting them.
Gattuso’s decision to recall Chiesa is a clear indication of his belief in the player’s ability to make a difference. While his form at Liverpool has been inconsistent, Chiesa’s talent and experience could prove invaluable in navigating the challenges of the playoff matches. His ability to stretch defenses and create opportunities could be key to unlocking stubborn opposition.
The inclusion of Palestra, a relatively unknown quantity, adds an element of surprise to the squad. It suggests that Gattuso is willing to seize risks and experiment with new players in his quest to find the right formula. Scalvini and Pisilli’s returns also provide valuable depth and competition for places.
For many Italian fans, the prospect of missing another World Cup is simply unthinkable. The national team holds a special place in the hearts of the nation, and the absence of the Azzurri from the tournament would be deeply felt. The weight of expectation will be heavy on Gattuso and his players as they prepare for these crucial matches.
The full Italy squad for the 2026 World Cup playoff is as follows:
- Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli)
- Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli)
- Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
- Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
Italy’s journey to the 2026 World Cup continues with the playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26th. The match will be played in Bergamo, and fans will be hoping to see a positive result that sets the stage for a successful campaign. The subsequent match, against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, will determine whether Italy can finally end their World Cup drought.
Following the playoff matches, the focus will quickly shift to preparing for the next international fixtures. The Italian national team will need to build momentum and establish a clear identity if they are to compete with the best teams in the world. The road ahead will be challenging, but with a talented squad and a determined coach, Italy has the potential to return to the top of the international game.
Fans can follow all the latest updates and news on the Italian national team through official channels, including the FIGC website and social media accounts. The upcoming matches are sure to be filled with drama and excitement, and supporters will be eager to cheer on their team as they strive for World Cup qualification.
