Italy’s World Cup Hopes Rest on Crucial Play-off Against Northern Ireland

Italy will face Northern Ireland in a pivotal European play-off semi-final at the Fresh Balance Arena in Bergamo on Thursday, March 26, 2026, as they strive to secure a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This match marks a critical juncture for the four-time World Cup winners, who have failed to qualify for the past two tournaments in 2018 and 2022.

Gattuso Names Squad, Chiesa Returns

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has named a 28-man squad for the match, including Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa, who returns to the national team after a two-year absence. Chiesa’s last international appearance was in the Euro 2024 last-16 encounter against Switzerland. Newcastle midfielder Sandro Tonali has also been included despite a recent hamstring concern, with tests ruling out a major muscular lesion.

Cagliari defender Marco Palestra has received his first senior call-up, although Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli and Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini return to the fold after a two-year hiatus. Tottenham Hotspur goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario is not included in the squad.

Path to Qualification

If Italy overcomes Northern Ireland, they will advance to face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 31st, with the winner of that match securing a coveted place in the 2026 World Cup finals. Italy finished second in qualifying Group A behind Norway, necessitating their participation in the play-offs.

Northern Ireland’s Challenge

Northern Ireland, who qualified for the play-offs through the UEFA Nations League route, will be looking to cause an upset. They have a historical victory against Italy, winning 1-0 in 1958, which also prevented Italy from qualifying for the World Cup. Sunderland defender Dan Ballard has been included in the Northern Ireland squad despite a hamstring issue.

Italy Squad

• 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)
• Midfielders: Nicolo Barella (Inter Milan), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter Milan), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolo Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)

Match Details

Date: Thursday, March 26, 2026
Location: New Balance Arena, Bergamo
Kick-off Time: 20:45 (GMT)