Chiesa Ruled Out of Italy’s World Cup Playoff Against Northern Ireland

Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, March 26, 2026. The 28-year-old’s withdrawal comes despite being named in manager Gennaro Gattuso’s squad for the match in Bergamo – his first Italian squad selection in two years.

Chiesa’s Return and Subsequent Exclusion

Chiesa’s inclusion in the squad initially marked a significant return for the player, who last represented Italy during the Euro 2024 last-16 encounter against Switzerland. However, minor physical issues have prompted Gattuso to send him back to Liverpool, deeming it “useless” for him to remain with the national team as reported by the Independent. Gattuso stated that some players weren’t mentally prepared and that Chiesa felt he wasn’t “up to it” according to Goal.com.

Italy’s Playoff Path and Squad Details

The Azzurri face a challenging path to qualification for the World Cup finals. A win against Northern Ireland will see them advance to a playoff final against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina. Italy is attempting to qualify for the World Cup after failing to do so in the previous two tournaments.

Bolonga forward Nicolò Cambiaghi has been called up as a replacement for Chiesa. The squad also includes returning players such as Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli and Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini, both back in the fold after a two-year absence as detailed by the BBC.

Squad List Highlights

• Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli)
• Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli)

Gattuso’s Perspective and Pressure on the Team

Manager Gennaro Gattuso acknowledged the immense pressure on the team, stating that only someone “without blood running through their veins” wouldn’t perceive the nerves ahead of the crucial match according to the Independent. He emphasized the need for complete focus and dismissed dwelling on past failures, urging the players to concentrate solely on Thursday’s game.

Other Squad News

Midfielder Sandro Tonali remains in the squad despite missing Newcastle United’s recent match against Sunderland. Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario has not been included, while Cagliari defender Marco Palestra receives his first senior call-up.