Italy World Cup Playoff Squad: Chiesa Returns, Gattuso’s 28-Man List

Bergamo, Italy – Rino Gattuso, the head coach of the Italian national team, has announced a 28-man squad for the crucial World Cup playoff matches, with the notable return of Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa. The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 26th, in Bergamo, with the aim of securing a place in the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This marks Chiesa’s first call-up in nine months, signaling a potential turning point for both the player and the national team.

Gattuso’s Squad: A Blend of Experience and New Faces

The squad features a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging talents, reflecting Gattuso’s desire to balance experience with fresh energy. Chiesa’s inclusion is arguably the biggest talking point, as the former Juventus star returns after a period of absence following Italy’s disappointing exit from Euro 2024. Alongside Chiesa, Marco Palestra of Cagliari has received his first-ever senior national team call-up, while Giorgio Scalvini and Niccolò Pisilli also return to the fold after previous absences.

A surprising decision saw Elia Caprile of Cagliari selected as one of the four goalkeepers, taking the place of Guglielmo Vicario. Notably absent from the list are Nicolò Zaniolo, Daniel Maldini, and Federico Bernardeschi, despite their consistent performances for their respective clubs.

Chiesa’s Journey Back to the Azzurri

Chiesa’s return to the national team is a significant development. He last featured for Italy at Euro 2024, where, despite playing a key role in three of the four matches, he struggled to make a decisive impact, failing to register a goal or assist. His form with Juventus prior to the tournament was also described as inconsistent, leading to expectations that he might not immediately reclaim his place in the squad.

Recent reports indicate that Chiesa had previously declined call-ups in October and November, citing physical and mental concerns. Gattuso, however, has maintained open communication with the player, respecting his decision while emphasizing the importance of his contribution to the team. The coach has stated he prioritizes understanding his players’ well-being and respecting their individual needs. This approach appears to have paved the way for Chiesa’s return, with the Liverpool forward now seemingly ready to commit to the national team’s playoff campaign.

Goalkeeping Change and Defensive Options

The selection of Elia Caprile over Guglielmo Vicario is a notable change in the goalkeeping department. Caprile has been enjoying a great season with Cagliari, and Gattuso clearly sees potential in the young shot-stopper. The goalkeeping options are further bolstered by the presence of Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City, and Alex Meret of Napoli.

Defensively, Gattuso has a wealth of options, including Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco of Inter Milan, Alessandro Buongiorno of Napoli, and Giorgio Scalvini, who returns to the squad after a period of absence. The inclusion of Marco Palestra provides an additional option at the back, offering versatility and competition for places.

Midfield and Attacking Power

The midfield will be anchored by experienced players such as Nicolò Barella of Inter Milan, Manuel Locatelli of Juventus, and Bryan Cristante of Roma. The squad also includes promising young talents like Davide Frattesi and Niccolò Pisilli.

Up front, Chiesa will be joined by Moise Kean of Fiorentina, Giacomo Raspadori of Atalanta, and Mateo Retegui of Al-Qadsiah. The attacking options are completed by Francesco Pio Esposito of Inter, and Matteo Politano and Gianluca Scamacca, both of Atalanta.

What’s Next for the Azzurri?

Italy’s immediate focus is on the playoff semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26th in Bergamo. A win would set up a final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a place at the 2026 World Cup on the line. The stakes are incredibly high for the Azzurri, who failed to qualify for the previous two World Cup tournaments. The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:45 PM local time (CET).

Gattuso will be hoping that the return of Federico Chiesa, combined with the blend of experience and youth in the squad, will provide the impetus needed to overcome these crucial playoff hurdles and secure Italy’s place on the world stage. Fans will be eagerly watching to see if Chiesa can rediscover his best form and inspire the Azzurri to success.