Italy have two big doubts for World Cup play-off semi final
Italy faces two significant uncertainties regarding their starting lineup for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, where they are expected to deploy a 3-5-2 formation.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) on Thursday, at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo.
The winner of this semi-final will advance to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, vying for a spot in the 2026 World Cup hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Italy plan starting XI against Northern Ireland
Coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed today that Gianluca Mancini, Riccardo Calafiori, and Matteo Politano are all fully fit, dispelling earlier concerns about their fitness after sustaining knocks during club duty.
Alessandro Bastoni participated in a portion of today's training session but remains a significant doubt. Given the possibility of a final on March 31, it's unlikely he will be rushed back into action.
Should the Inter defender be unavailable, Juventus's Federico Gatti or Napoli's Alessandro Buongiorno are prepared to fill his position.
The remaining uncertainty is tactical, concerning the choice between Cagliari's promising talent Marco Palestra and Napoli veteran Politano for the right-wing position.
Despite his recent strong performances for Inter, Francesco Pio Esposito is expected to start on the bench, with Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui leading the attack.
Italy probable: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Palestra, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
Fresh materials — Football news
Italy's Euro 2028 Prospects: Promising Young Talent and Key Victories
Italy defeated Turkiye 3-1 in Bologna, securing a seeded position for the Euro 2028 draw. This victory places them one point ahead of Belgium before upcoming matches against France and Belgium in November. Coach Roberto Mancini made significant changes to the lineup, with only Donnarumma an
Romano: ‘I Chose Italy With All My Heart, See Strong Team Moving Forward’
Alessandro Romano reaffirmed his desire to play for Italy, stating he made the choice “with all my heart.” He believes the team shows potential for future strength. The Cagliari midfielder started in the recent 3-1 win against Turkiye, his first start since the 2-0 home loss to Belgium. Pr
Mancini: 'Italy's lack of fluidity was predictable' after 9 changes vs Turkiye
Roberto Mancini expected Italy to lose some fluidity after making nine changes in their 3-1 victory against Turkiye. He noted that underestimating the Turkish side would be the biggest mistake, a warning that proved valid as Vincenzo Montella's team controlled the first half. Following seve
Calafiori: First Italy Goal in Bologna Felt Fated, Thanks Bonucci for Set Piece Instruction
Riccardo Calafiori believes his first Italy goal, scored in Bologna, was destined to happen. He also credited Leonardo Bonucci for the set play tactic used against Turkiye, joking about Bonucci's ego. Following nine changes from the previous match against France, the team displayed a less
Scamacca Thrilled with First Italy Goal in Three Years
Gianluca Scamacca declared himself 'very happy' after scoring his first goal for Italy in three years, contributing to the team's 3-1 Nations League win against Turkiye. The Italian team began slowly against Turkiye, who were at the bottom of Nations League Group A, requiring early saves
Montella: Unwavering on Team's Potential, Rejects Unjustified Criticism
Vincenzo Montella, ahead of Turkiye's Nations League fixture against Italy, stated he "does not want to think negatively." He also declared, "I cannot accept illogical criticism." The match is scheduled for Monday at the Stadio Dall’Ara in Bologna, with kickoff at 19:45 UK time (20:45 CEST). The