Gattuso’s Last Stand With Chiesa

Four-time world champions Italy face a defining moment as they seek to end a bitter drought from the World Cup, having missed consecutive tournaments. The weight of this historic disappointment now rests squarely on the shoulders of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, who has unveiled a 28-man squad for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifying play-offs scheduled for this Friday. The headline-grabbing inclusion is Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, marking a major boost for the Azzurri.

Chiesa, the hero of Italy’s Euro 2021 triumph, has not played in the national team since the Round of 16 defeat to Switzerland at Euro 2024, making his recall all the more significant. His pace, skill, and experience are expected to be pivotal as Italy aim to secure a place in North America next year.

Italy will face Northern Ireland at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo on 26 March. Victory in this encounter would set up a play-off final on 31 March against the winner of Wales vs Bosnia and Herzegovina. Success in that decisive match would secure Italy’s ticket to the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A loss, however, would cement an ignominious record: Italy missing the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

Gattuso has combined experience with youth in his squad selection. Returning alongside Chiesa is Atalanta’s 22-year-old centre-back Giorgio Scalvini, sidelined by a knee injury just before Euro 2024. New caps await Cagliari’s 21-year-old defender Marco Pessina and Roma midfielder Nicolò Piscioli, reflecting Gattuso’s commitment to injecting young talent into a squad hungry for redemption.

However, Italy face a setback in goal. Tottenham goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will miss the play-offs due to an impending hernia operation. Tottenham coach Igor Tudor confirmed Vicario will play through pain in a crucial relegation match against Nottingham Forest before undergoing surgery. This development places the full responsibility on Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, Italy’s veteran goalkeeper, to marshal the defence.

A summary of Italy’s play-off path is outlined below:

Gattuso’s approach balances seasoned campaigners with promising youngsters, creating a dynamic squad capable of handling immense pressure. With Chiesa back in the fold, and Donnarumma guarding the goal, Italy’s last stand to reclaim their place on football’s biggest stage promises to be a dramatic, high-stakes spectacle.

The eyes of the footballing world will be on Bergamo on 26 March, as Italy seeks not just victory, but redemption and a return to the World Cup stage after years of frustration.