Gattuso Names Italy Squad for World Cup Playoff: Chiesa Returns, Palestra Earns First Call-Up

Bergamo, Italy – Italy manager Luciano Spalletti, known as Rino Gattuso, has announced a 28-man squad for the crucial World Cup playoff against Northern Ireland on March 26th. The roster features a notable return for Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, alongside a first senior international call-up for Cagliari defender Marco Palestra. The Azzurri face a challenging path to the 2026 World Cup, with a potential second-round playoff against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina awaiting the winners of the Northern Ireland tie.

Chiesa Back in the Fold

Federico Chiesa’s inclusion marks a significant moment for the Italian national team. The 25-year-traditional, a key figure in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph, has been absent from the squad since Euro 2024. Despite limited playing time at Liverpool, Gattuso has clearly recognized Chiesa’s potential impact and has opted to bring him back into the mix. His versatility and attacking prowess will be valuable assets as Italy aims to secure a spot in the tournament.

Palestra Earns Maiden Call-Up

The inclusion of 20-year-old Marco Palestra represents a new face in the Italian setup. The Cagliari defender has impressed with his performances in Serie A this season, earning him a deserved opportunity to showcase his talent on the international stage. Palestra’s call-up signals Gattuso’s willingness to integrate emerging talent into the squad and build for the future. He provides depth in defense and offers a fresh perspective to the team.

Squad Overview and Injury Concerns

Gattuso’s squad blends experience with youth, featuring established stars alongside promising newcomers. Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Carnesecchi, Alex Meret, and Elia Caprile form the goalkeeping contingent. The defense includes veterans like Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni, alongside younger options such as Andrea Scalvini and Marco Palestra. Midfield options include Nicolò Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali, and Roma’s Niccolò Pisilli, who likewise receives his first call-up. Up front, Italy boasts a range of attacking talent, including Moise Kean, Gianluca Scamacca, and Giacomo Raspadori.

However, several players are carrying minor injuries that will require monitoring in the lead-up to the match. Sandro Tonali, recently cleared after a scan revealed no serious damage following a Champions League match, will be assessed daily. Bastoni has recovered from previous tibia and ankle issues but will also be closely monitored. Kean is still dealing with a lingering ankle problem, and Calafiori is being carefully managed by Arsenal due to muscle fatigue ahead of the League Cup final against Manchester City. Raspadori is also returning from a recent muscle injury.

Tactical Flexibility and Potential Lineups

Gattuso appears to favor a 3-5-2 formation as the team’s base setup, but he has indicated a willingness to adapt with variations such as 4-4-2, 4-2-3-1, or 4-3-3. The core of the team that qualified for the tournament behind Norway remains largely intact. A likely starting eleven could feature Donnarumma in goal, a back three of Mancini, Bastoni, and Calafiori, wing-backs Politano and Dimarco, a midfield trio of Barella, Locatelli, and Tonali, and a strike partnership of Kean and Retegui. However, the presence of alternatives in every position allows Gattuso to adjust his tactics based on the opponent and the flow of the game.

Path to the World Cup

Italy’s journey to the 2026 World Cup hinges on success in these playoffs. A victory over Northern Ireland at the Stadio di Bergamo on March 26th will set up a decisive second-round playoff against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31st. The stakes are incredibly high for the Azzurri, who missed out on qualification for the previous two World Cups. Avoiding a repeat of the 2022 playoff defeat against North Macedonia is paramount.

Full Squad List

Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli)

Defenders: Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Federico Calafiori (Arsenal), Giorgio Gatti (Juventus), Federico Buongiorno (Napoli), Andrea Scalvini (Atalanta), Riccardo Coppola (Paris FC)

Midfielders: Matteo Politano (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giovanni Spinazzola (Napoli), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Nicolò Barella (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Cristante (Roma), Frattesi (Inter)

Forwards: Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Andrea Retegui (Al Qadsiah), Lorenzo Esposito (Inter), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Federico Chiesa (Liverpool)

The Italian national team will initiate training at Coverciano on Monday, March 23rd, with the focus firmly on preparing for the crucial playoff against Northern Ireland. The match promises to be a tense affair, with the hopes of a nation resting on the shoulders of Gattuso’s squad. The team will then travel to either Wales or Bosnia for the final playoff match, with a place at the 2026 World Cup on the line.

Fans can follow all the latest updates and coverage of Italy’s World Cup playoff campaign on Archysport.com.