Gattuso Announces Italy Squad for World Cup Play-offs: Chiesa Returns, Vicario Excluded

Italy's head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has officially announced his 28-player roster for the crucial World Cup play-off fixtures. The squad sees the anticipated return of winger Federico Chiesa, while goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has been notably omitted.

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gattuso's selections for the 2026 World Cup play-offs on Friday.

The Liverpool winger, Federico Chiesa, rejoins the squad, marking his first call-up since his last appearance in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 match against Switzerland.

Despite sustaining an injury during Wednesday's Champions League encounter against Barcelona, Newcastle's Sandro Tonali retains his place in the squad. Medical examinations conducted on Thursday confirmed that the former AC Milan midfielder did not suffer a severe muscle tear, allaying earlier concerns.

Marco Palestra of Cagliari receives his inaugural senior national team call-up, a significant milestone for the young player. In goal, Tottenham's Guglielmo Vicario has been left out, with Gattuso opting for Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Alex Meret as his goalkeeping choices.

Italy is set to face Northern Ireland in the play-off semi-final on March 26. Should they advance, the potential final will take place on March 31, away from home, against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Full Italy Squad for the 2026 World Cup Play-offs

Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli);

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli);

Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle);

Attackers: Federico Chiesa (Liverpool), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).