Gattuso Reveals Italy Squad: Key Decisions on Zaniolo, Tonali, Chiesa
After months of speculation, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso announced his playoff squad. The call-up sets the team for a semi-final against Northern Ireland and a possible final.
The victor will chase World Cup qualification. This campaign follows two recent, surprising eliminations.
Squad selected
Gattuso named a broad group across all positions. Below are the players chosen for the playoffs.
Goalkeepers
- Caprile
- Carnesecchi
- Donnarumma
- Meret
Defenders
- Bastoni
- Buongiorno
- Calafiori
- Cambiaso
- Coppola
- Dimarco
- Gatti
- Mancini
- Palestra
- Scalvini
- Spinazzola
Midfielders
- Barella
- Cristante
- Frattesi
- Locatelli
- Pisilli
- Tonali
Forwards
- Chiesa
- Esposito
- Kean
- Politano
- Raspadori
- Retegui
- Scamacca
Notable inclusions and omissions
Key decisions on Zaniolo, Tonali and Chiesa dominate discussion. Federico Chiesa earned a spot on the list.
Nicolò Zaniolo did not make the squad. Sandro Tonali was included despite a recent injury scare.
Tonali had suffered an injury while playing in the Champions League with Newcastle. His selection eased some concerns.
Upcoming fixtures and stakes
The immediate challenge is the playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland. Italy could then face the winner of Wales versus Bosnia in the final.
Qualification for the World Cup is the clear objective. Gattuso’s selections will be judged on that result.
Photo credit: Marco Luzzani – 2025 Getty Images. Article published on Filmogaz.com.
