Four-time world champions Italy face a daunting task: they have missed out on the last two FIFA World Cups, a rare and painful setback for a nation steeped in footballing tradition. The weight of restoring national pride now rests squarely on the shoulders of coach Gennaro Gattuso, who has named a 28-man squad ahead of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff. The most eye-catching inclusion is Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, making a return after a lengthy absence from the national side.
Chiesa, the hero of Euro 2021, had not featured for Italy since their round-of-16 exit to Switzerland in Euro 2024. His return is expected to add firepower and experience to a side desperate for qualification. Italy will face Northern Ireland on 26 March at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo, a match that carries immense significance. Victory would set up a showdown on 31 March against the winner of Wales versus Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a place at the United States, Canada, and Mexico-hosted World Cup at stake. Defeat would see Italy write a humiliating chapter in history: failing to qualify for a third consecutive tournament.
Gattuso has sought to blend seasoned internationals with promising young talent. Giorgio Scalvini, the 22-year-old Atalanta centre-back sidelined before Euro 2024 due to a knee injury, has been recalled. Italy will also see the debuts of Marco Palestra, a 21-year-old defender from Cagliari, and Nicolò Pisillo, a young midfielder from Roma. This mixture of youth and experience reflects Gattuso’s “do or die” approach.
Goalkeeping presents a challenge. Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur is unavailable due to a hernia operation, though he will play in a key relegation-avoiding match against Nottingham Forest before undergoing surgery. In his absence, all responsibility between the posts now falls to Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, whose leadership will be vital.
Below is a summary of Italy’s 2026 World Cup qualifying playoff schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Venue | Stage | Next Match (if victorious) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 March | Northern Ireland | Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia, Bergamo | First Playoff Round | Winner of Wales vs Bosnia & Herzegovina |
| 31 March | Wales/Bosnia & Herzegovina | TBD | Final Playoff Round | World Cup 2026 Qualification |
Italy’s squad demonstrates a delicate balance of experience and emerging talent, with Chiesa’s return adding a crucial attacking edge and Donnarumma’s presence providing defensive assurance. The stakes are immense: a victory would secure a return to the global stage, while failure would mark a third consecutive World Cup absence.
Gattuso’s “last stand” encapsulates the pressure, hope, and historic significance of these playoffs. For Italian fans, the Bergamo clash is not just a match—it is a chance to rewrite history and reclaim a place among football’s elite.