Chiesa Returns: Italy Squad Named for World Cup Play-off vs Northern Ireland

Bergamo, Italy – Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been recalled to the Italy national team for the first time in two years, head coach Gennaro Gattuso announced Friday. The call-up comes ahead of a pivotal World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland next Thursday, a match that represents a critical step in Italy’s bid to return to the international stage.

The 28-year-aged Chiesa’s last appearance for the Azzurri came during the Euro 2024 round of 16 encounter against Switzerland. His return provides a significant boost to Gattuso’s squad as they attempt to navigate a challenging path to qualification for this summer’s World Cup finals. Italy will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina four days after the Northern Ireland match, should they advance.

This play-off is particularly significant for Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, as the nation has failed to qualify for the past two tournaments. The pressure is on Gattuso and his team to deliver a performance that will reignite the passion of Italian football fans and secure a spot in the prestigious competition.

Alongside Chiesa, Gattuso has also welcomed back Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli and Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, both of whom haven’t featured for the national team in two years. Cagliari defender Marco Palestra has received his first-ever senior call-up, marking a modern opportunity for the young player to represent his country.

The 28-man squad reflects a blend of experience and emerging talent, as Gattuso seeks to locate the right formula to overcome Northern Ireland and progress through the play-off bracket. The absence of Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is notable, but the squad boasts a strong goalkeeping contingent led by Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City.

Italy’s squad features a strong core of players from Serie A clubs, including Inter Milan (Nicolo Barella, Federico Dimarco, Davide Frattesi), Juventus (Andrea Cambiaso, Manuel Locatelli), and Napoli (Gianluca Mancini, Alex Meret). The inclusion of players from clubs across Europe – such as Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali – demonstrates the breadth of Italian talent currently playing abroad.

Northern Ireland, managed by Michael O’Neill, also announced their squad on Monday, including Sunderland defender Dan Ballard despite a recent hamstring issue. The match in Bergamo promises to be a fiercely contested affair, with both teams acutely aware of the stakes involved. For Northern Ireland, it’s a chance to upset a footballing giant and potentially reach the World Cup finals. For Italy, it’s a matter of restoring national pride and reclaiming their place among the world’s elite.

The winner of the Italy-Northern Ireland match will face the victor of the Wales-Bosnia and Herzegovina semi-final on March 31, with a coveted spot in the World Cup finals on the line. A loss for either Italy or Northern Ireland would result in a friendly match against the other defeated semi-finalist, offering little consolation for a failed qualification campaign.

Chiesa’s return to the squad is particularly noteworthy given his recent form with Liverpool. While he has faced challenges adapting to his new club, he has become an increasingly essential player for Arne Slot’s side. His ability to create chances and score goals will be vital for Italy as they look to break down a potentially stubborn Northern Ireland defense.

Italy Squad:

• Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli)
• Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli)
• Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolo Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
• Forwards: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter Milan), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)

The match against Northern Ireland is scheduled for Thursday at 19:45 GMT in Bergamo. Fans across Italy will be hoping that Chiesa and his teammates can deliver a performance that will set them on the path to World Cup glory. The stakes are high, and the pressure is on, but the Azzurri are determined to make a statement and reclaim their place at the top of the international game.

Next up for Italy, should they overcome Northern Ireland, is a trip to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31. The location and kickoff time for that match will be confirmed following the outcome of the other semi-final.