Key Takeaways:
- Gennaro Gattuso has included Marco Verratti in Italy’s preliminary squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers playoffs
- Verratti last represented the national side on 18 June 2023, when Italy defeated The Netherlands 3-2 in the Nations League third place match
- Should Italy defeat Northern Ireland on 26 March, they will next face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina
Verratti Returns to Azzurri Fold Under Gattuso
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has made the notable decision to select Marco Verratti for the preliminary squad ahead of the forthcoming World Cup qualifiers playoffs, signalling a potential shift in the team’s approach and mentality.
According to Tuttosport, Gattuso is opting to rely on Verratti despite the midfielder’s absence from international duty since 18 June 2023. On that occasion, Verratti featured in a dramatic 3-2 victory over The Netherlands, helping Italy secure third place in the Nations League.
Reports in Italy claim that Federico Chiesa and Marco Verratti are among the players on Gennaro Gattuso's preliminary squad list ahead of the World Cup play-offs at the end of the month. pic.twitter.com/Om2yyxxfM4
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) March 5, 2026
Veteran Midfielder’s Remarkable Comeback
Now 33 years of age and currently plying his trade at Al-Duhail in the Qatar Stars League, Verratti departed European club football in the summer of 2023 after amassing the second highest tally of appearances in Paris Saint-Germain’s history. Many Italian supporters had presumed that the move to Qatar would mark the end of Verratti’s international career, making Gattuso’s selection a significant surprise and a statement regarding expectations for the Azzurri’s future.
World Cup Playoff Route: Fixture Details
Verratti will be available for Italy’s crucial playoff match against Northern Ireland scheduled for 26 March. Should the Italians prevail in that fixture, they will progress to face the winner of the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
