Key Takeaways:
- Gennaro Gattuso has announced his 28-man Italy squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off on Friday
- Federico Chiesa returns to the national side for the first time since the Euro 2024 Round of 16 match against Switzerland
- Cagliari’s Marco Palestra receives his first senior call-up, while Guglielmo Vicario is omitted in favour of other goalkeepers
Squad Announcement and Major Returns
Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has formally revealed the 28 players selected to represent the Azzurri in the critical 2026 World Cup play-off. Confirmed by the FIGC on Friday, the squad features several notable inclusions and exclusions, with Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa making a much-anticipated return to international duty. Chiesa had last featured for the national team in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 contest against Switzerland.
The #Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-offs 📋#VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/spL2Zq1drn
— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) March 20, 2026
Injury Updates and Squad Selections
Despite an injury scare picked up during Newcastle’s Champions League clash with Barcelona on Wednesday, Sandro Tonali maintains his spot in Gattuso’s line-up. Medical examinations conducted on Thursday ruled out any severe muscle injury for the former Milan stalwart.
Cagliari’s Marco Palestra earns his first selection at senior level, providing fresh impetus to the defensive line-up. On the other hand, Tottenham’s Guglielmo Vicario is left out, as Gattuso opts for a goalkeeping contingent comprised of Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Alex Meret.
Upcoming Fixtures
Italy are set to face North Macedonia in the play-off semi-final on 26 March. Should they secure victory, the team will contest the final away against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on 31 March.
Full 28-Man Italy Squad
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Elia Caprile | Cagliari |
| Goalkeeper | Marco Carnesecchi | Atalanta |
| Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Manchester City |
| Goalkeeper | Alex Meret | Napoli |
| Defender | Alessandro Bastoni | Inter |
| Defender | Alessandro Buongiorno | Napoli |
| Defender | Riccardo Calafiori | Arsenal |
| Defender | Andrea Cambiaso | Juventus |
| Defender | Diego Coppola | Paris FC |
| Defender | Federico Dimarco | Inter |
| Defender | Federico Gatti | Juventus |
| Defender | Gianluca Mancini | Roma |
| Defender | Marco Palestra | Cagliari |
| Defender | Giorgio Scalvini | Atalanta |
| Defender | Leonardo Spinazzola | Napoli |
| Midfielder | Nicolò Barella | Inter |
| Midfielder | Bryan Cristante | Roma |
| Midfielder | Davide Frattesi | Inter |
| Midfielder | Manuel Locatelli | Juventus |
| Midfielder | Niccolò Pisilli | Roma |
| Midfielder | Sandro Tonali | Newcastle |
| Attacker | Federico Chiesa | Liverpool |
| Attacker | Francesco Pio Esposito | Inter |
| Attacker | Moise Kean | Fiorentina |
| Attacker | Matteo Politano | Napoli |
| Attacker | Giacomo Raspadori | Atalanta |
| Attacker | Mateo Retegui | Al-Qadsiah |
| Attacker | Gianluca Scamacca | Atalanta |
Looking Ahead
With crucial fixtures fast approaching, the squad selection underscores Gattuso’s intent to blend experienced internationals with emerging talents as Italy aim to secure their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
