Mancini Set to Lead Against Northern Ireland

Mo. Basuony

Published: March 26, 2026 4:58 PM ET

Italy must win soon to keep World Cup hopes alive. The Azzurri face Northern Ireland in a playoff semi-final in a few days.

Match context

The winner advances to a playoff final against Wales or Bosnia. That match would decide who takes the remaining World Cup berth.

Gennaro Gattuso leads the squad for this crucial fixture. Selection decisions are being finalised with less than 48 hours remaining.

Gianluca Mancini was substituted at half-time in Roma’s match with Lecce. He pulled out with a calf complaint.

Gattuso downplayed the issue as not serious. A subsequent session suggested the defender is fit to train.

Filmogaz.com reported Mancini trained fully with the group. That increased his chances of a starting role.

Gattuso has Mancini, Sandro Tonali, and Riccardo Calafiori available. The coach appears to favour a 3-5-2 system.

Mancini looks poised to lead Italy’s central defence against Northern Ireland. He is a candidate for the defensive trio.

Bryan Cristante and Niccolò Pisilli were also called up. Both are expected to provide impact from the bench.

Training sessions have focused on defensive organisation and set pieces. Lineup choices will be finalised in the last hours.

Italy’s priority is to reach the playoff final and secure World Cup qualification. The small margins will decide the outcome.