Bastoni Set to Start for Italy in Crucial World Cup Play-Off
Inter Milan defender Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly set to feature in Italy's starting lineup for their upcoming 2026 World Cup play-off. After being a significant doubt due to an ankle bruise that sidelined him for recent club matches, Bastoni participated in training today and was tested with the first XI during an evening session in Bergamo.
The crucial play-off fixture against Northern Ireland is scheduled for Thursday at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The winner of this match will advance to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on March 31.
Barring any last-minute issues with his ankle, Bastoni is widely expected to anchor the defense in Italy's 3-5-2 formation. Should he be unable to play, Napoli's Alessandro Buongiorno or Juventus defender Federico Gatti are prepared to step in.
Coach Gennaro Gattuso's primary remaining tactical decision involves the right-wing position, choosing between 21-year-old Cagliari talent Marco Palestra and Napoli's Matteo Politano.
Probable Italy Starting XI:
- Donnarumma
- Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori
- Palestra, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella, Dimarco
- Kean, Retegui
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