Italy: Gattuso’s squad for Northern Ireland and BosniaWales: Tonali is in, Bernardeschi is out. Here are the Azzurri who must take us to the World Cup
The manager's selections for the World Cup play-offs. Rino Gattuso’s squad list for the World Cup play-offs is now official. The manager released the squad on Friday 20 March for the Azzurri’s next two matches: the national team will play in Bergamo on 26 March against Northern Ireland and, should they progress, will face the winner of the Bosnia v Wales tie, this time away from home. Gattuso has called up 28 players: Tonali is included, having been a doubt due to a muscle problem, whilst Zaccagni, Orsolini and Bernardeschi are absent. Chiesa returns, whilst Vicario and Zaniolo are out. It is Palestra’s first call-up.
The manager's selections for the World Cup play-offs.Rino Gattuso’s squad list for the World Cup play-offs is now official. The manager released the squad on Friday 20 March for the Azzurri’s next two matches: the national team will play in Bergamo on 26 March against Northern Ireland and, should they progress, will face the winner of the Bosnia v Wales tie, this time away from home.Gattuso has called up 28 players: Tonali is included, having been a doubt due to a muscle problem, whilst Zaccagni, Orsolini and Bernardeschi are absent. Chiesa returns, whilst Vicario and Zaniolo are out. It is Palestra’s first call-up.Below is the full squad list.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: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).Given the manager’s selections, Italy are likely to stick with a 3-5-2 formation, keeping the 4-4-2 as a potential alternative. Gattuso has called up 28 players: Palestra makes his debut, whilst Vicario, Ricci, Maldini, Bernardeschi, Orsolini and Pellegrini have been left out. Kean, Raspadori, Tonali and Bastoni have been included despite carrying minor injuries.As mentioned, Italy will face Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final, with kick-off on Thursday 26 March at 8.45 pm. The Azzurri will play this first leg at home in Bergamo. Should they beat these first opponents, Donnarumma and his teammates would qualify for the away final against Wales or Bosnia, scheduled for Tuesday 31 March at a time yet to be confirmed. Should Italy win both matches, they would therefore qualify for the upcoming World Cup, which will take place this summer in the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting
Italy's Squad List for World Cup Play-Offs
Rino Gattuso, the Italian national team manager, has unveiled his squad list for the upcoming World Cup play-offs. The Azzurri will be facing Northern Ireland in the semi-final, with a potential final against Wales or Bosnia. The squad includes crucial players like Tonali, Chiesa, and Donnarumma, while some notable exclusions like Bernardeschi and Orsolini have raised eyebrows.
Squad Composition and Formations
Italy's squad comprises a mix of experienced players and promising talents across different positions. Gattuso seems inclined to maintain the 3-5-2 formation, although the 4-4-2 setup remains a viable option. The inclusion of Palestra as a debutant showcases the manager's willingness to give opportunities to young talents while banking on established stars like Chiesa and Tonali.
Path to the World Cup
The path for Italy to the World Cup involves a challenging route through the play-offs, starting with a home game against Northern Ireland. If successful, the Azzurri will then face the winners of the Bosnia v Wales clash in the away final. Securing victories in both matches will grant Italy a ticket to the highly anticipated World Cup hosted in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Looking Ahead
With Gattuso's strategic selections and the determination of the squad, Italy is poised to tackle the upcoming play-off matches with fervor and ambition. The unity and skill displayed by the Azzurri will be crucial in their quest to secure a spot in the prestigious World Cup tournament. Fans eagerly anticipate the exciting matches that lie ahead.
Stay Updated with GOAL.com
For more insightful coverage and updates on Italy's journey in the World Cup play-offs, make sure to add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google. Stay informed about the latest developments, match analyses, and exclusive interviews as Italy gears up for a thrilling battle to secure their place in the World Cup.
