Bergamo, Italy – The pressure is on for Italy as they prepare for a crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, April 26th at the Stadio di Bergamo (New Balance Arena). Kick-off is scheduled for 8:45 pm local time. For a nation that has consistently been a force in European football, the prospect of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup is a stark reality that manager Gennaro Gattuso is determined to avoid. This Italy v Northern Ireland match is the first step in a challenging path to the 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Gattuso Acknowledges the Stakes
Gennaro Gattuso has openly admitted the weight of expectation surrounding the team. Speaking on Monday, Gattuso stated that “only someone without blood running through their veins” wouldn’t feel nervous ahead of such a pivotal match. This sentiment underscores the immense pressure on the Azzurri to secure a spot in this summer’s competition. The team is acutely aware of their recent failures to qualify for the World Cup, having missed out in both 2018 and 2022, a particularly disappointing run for a four-time World Cup champion.
Squad Updates and Chiesa’s Departure
The Italian squad is currently in a training camp at Coverciano. A notable development this week was the return of Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa to the national team, only to be sent home shortly after. Gattuso explained that Chiesa had “some minor [physical] issues” and that it was deemed best for him not to remain with the squad. This decision, while potentially surprising, highlights Gattuso’s focus on ensuring all players are fully fit and prepared for the demanding play-off schedule. The team will need every available player at their best to navigate the semi-final against Northern Ireland and a potential final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Referee Appointments
UEFA has appointed Dutch referee Danny Makkelie to oversee the match, assisted by compatriots Hessel Steegstra and Jan de Vries. Spaniard Jesús Gil Manzano will serve as the fourth official, with Pol van Boekel and Jeroen Manschot taking charge of VAR. These appointments ensure a high level of officiating for this critical play-off encounter.
Esposito Drawing Comparisons to Van Basten
Former Italy striker Antonio Di Natale recently offered an intriguing observation about young forward Francesco Pio Esposito. In an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport, Di Natale noted that Esposito’s movement “reminds me a bit of Van Basten,” albeit with respect for the differences between the two players. This comparison speaks to the potential of the Inter Milan forward and the excitement surrounding his inclusion in the Italian squad. Esposito represents a new generation of talent that Gattuso hopes will revitalize the national team.
The Squad in Detail
Gattuso has named a 28-player squad for the play-off matches. Here’s a breakdown of the roster:
- 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: Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta)
Probable Starting Line-up
Based on recent reports and training sessions, the expected Italian starting line-up for the match against Northern Ireland is as follows (3-5-2 formation):
Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni (Scalvini), Calafiori; Politano (Palestra), Barella, Locatelli, Tonali, Dimarco; Kean (Esposito), Retegui.
This line-up suggests a blend of experience and youth, with key players like Barella and Donnarumma anchoring the midfield and defense. The potential inclusion of Esposito up front could provide a spark in attack, while the defensive trio of Mancini, Bastoni, and Calafiori will be crucial in keeping Northern Ireland at bay.
What’s Next for the Azzurri?
Following the match against Northern Ireland, the winner will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in a second play-off final on March 31st. A victory in that match would secure Italy’s place in the 2026 World Cup. Riccardo Calafiori is scheduled to speak at a press conference today, March 24th, at 1:30 pm, providing further insight into the team’s preparations. A closed-door training session will then take place at the Coverciano training ground at 5:00 pm under the guidance of manager Gattuso.
The stakes are incredibly high for Italy, and the nation will be watching with bated breath as they attempt to overcome this final hurdle and return to the world’s biggest stage. The journey begins on Thursday in Bergamo, and the Azzurri will need to deliver a performance worthy of their rich footballing history.
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