BERGAMO, ITALY – In a move signaling a desire for a more intimate and supportive atmosphere, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has chosen the Stadio di Bergamo – home of Atalanta – to host the crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 26. The decision marks a departure from the iconic San Siro in Milan, a venue traditionally used for high-profile Azzurri matches.
The shift in venue, confirmed Monday, isn’t simply about location. Gattuso explained his reasoning, citing the potential for a more unified and fervent backing from the stands. “I chose the stadium,” he stated at a press conference. “At San Siro, there are fans from different clubs and, if you miss a pass, they might whistle at you.” He contrasted this with the atmosphere he experienced in Bergamo during a previous match against Estonia in September 2025, hoping to recreate that supportive environment. Football Italia reported on the coach’s comments.
This isn’t merely a tactical adjustment. it’s a statement about the pressure weighing on the Italian national team. Having failed to automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Italy faces a high-stakes play-off route. The stakes are particularly high given Italy’s shocking absence from the 2018 and 2022 tournaments – a drought fans are desperate to end. “There are no excuses. It’s undeniable that there’s nervousness,” Gattuso acknowledged, emphasizing the singular focus: “For us, only Thursday’s match exists.”
The decision to play in Bergamo, a city with a passionate footballing culture, reflects Gattuso’s belief that a smaller, more contained stadium – with a capacity of around 25,000 – will foster a “cauldron-like atmosphere,” as he described it. This contrasts sharply with the 60,000-plus capacity of the San Siro, where a more diverse and potentially critical fanbase could have impacted the team’s performance. The hope is that the close proximity of the fans will translate into unwavering support, even during moments of difficulty.
Beyond the venue change, Gattuso also addressed a personnel matter. Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of the squad due to physical discomfort, a decision the coach described as pragmatic. “It was pointless for him to stay,” Gattuso said, acknowledging that the Liverpool winger’s condition wouldn’t allow him to contribute effectively. Whereas the move sparked some internal debate, Gattuso prioritized Chiesa’s well-being and the team’s overall preparation. Football Italia detailed the squad selection, noting Chiesa’s absence and the return of other key players.
The 28-man squad named by Gattuso includes the return of Chiesa, a significant boost after a period out of the national team. But, Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been dropped from the selection, with Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Alex Meret vying for the starting spot. Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali, despite a recent injury sustained during a Champions League match against Barcelona, remains in the squad, with initial examinations ruling out a serious muscle lesion.
Cagliari’s Marco Palestra has earned his first senior call-up, representing a new face in the Italian setup. The inclusion of these players underscores Gattuso’s commitment to blending experience with emerging talent as Italy navigates this critical play-off stage.
Should Italy overcome Northern Ireland in Bergamo, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a final play-off match on March 31, with that game scheduled to be played away from home. The pressure to secure qualification is immense, not only for the players and coaching staff but also for a nation eager to witness its team return to the world’s biggest football stage.
The choice of Bergamo isn’t just about acoustics or crowd size; it’s a calculated gamble by Gattuso to create an environment where his players can perform with freedom and confidence, shielded from the potential negativity that might accompany a match in a larger, more diverse stadium. It’s a bold move, but one that reflects Gattuso’s understanding of the psychological pressures facing his team as they strive to avoid another painful World Cup absence.
Italy’s path to the 2026 World Cup now hinges on these two play-off matches. The first hurdle, against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, is a challenge Gattuso believes his team is ready to face, armed with the support of a passionate home crowd and a renewed sense of purpose.
The match against Northern Ireland is scheduled for 8:45 PM local time (UTC+2) on Thursday, March 26. Fans across the globe will be watching closely as Italy attempts to reignite its World Cup ambitions.
What’s Next: Italy will face Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday, March 26. The potential final play-off match against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina is scheduled for March 31.
