Gattuso Unveils Italy Squad with Newcomers Ahead of October World Cup Qualifiers

Key Takeaways:

• Gennaro Gattuso has announced a 27-player Italy squad for World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel
• Fiorentina’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi are included for the first time
• Matteo Gabbia and Bryan Cristante return to the national team after periods of absence

Squad Announcement and Fixture Schedule

Gennaro Gattuso has officially presented his 27-man selection for Italy’s upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Estonia and Israel. There are two fresh faces: Hans Nicolussi Caviglia of Fiorentina and Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna, both receiving their maiden senior call-ups.

The Azzurri are set to meet Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday, October 11th, and will then take on Israel at the Stadio Friuli in Udine on October 14th as part of their 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

Gattuso's squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers is here! 📋💙#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/fUT72T2Quz

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) October 3, 2025

Changes and Returns to the Squad

AC Milan’s Matteo Gabbia and Roma’s Bryan Cristante have both earned recalls, marking their return to the national side after notable absences. Gabbia last featured for Italy in October of the previous year, while Cristante rejoins the squad following a spell out since June 2024.

The inclusion of Cambiaghi and Nicolussi Caviglia marks their first ever experience with the senior national squad, adding to Gattuso’s options for the challenges ahead.

Recent Results and Group Standing

Gattuso commenced his tenure as Italy manager in September, making a strong start by overseeing a 5-0 home victory over Estonia and a hard-fought 5-4 win away to Israel. Italy currently sit second in Group I, level with Israel on nine points but with the advantage of a game in hand.

Full 27-Man Squad for October Qualifiers