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
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