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Italy's World Cup Playoff Squad Unveiled: Tonali In, Chiesa Returns

The Italian national team has announced its 28-player squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualification playoffs. Key inclusions are Newcastle's Sandro Tonali, who overcame a muscle strain, and the returning Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa, while Cagliari's Marco Palestra receives his first senior call-up. Italy will play Northern Ireland in a home semi-final in Bergamo on March 26, with a potential away final against Wales or Bosnia on March 31 for a place at the 2026 World Cup. The four-time champions are desperate to qualify after missing the last two tournaments in 2018 and 2022.

Key Points: Italy Squad for FIFA World Cup Playoffs Announced

  • Sandro Tonali included despite injury doubt
  • Federico Chiesa returns to the squad
  • Marco Palestra earns first call-up
  • Italy faces Northern Ireland in playoff semi-final
2 min read

Italy unveils squad for FIFA World Cup play-offs

Italy reveals 28-man squad for crucial World Cup playoffs. Sandro Tonali included, Federico Chiesa returns. Full player list and playoff schedule.

"The Gianluigi Donnarumma captained side will be playing in an away final against Wales or Bosnia on March 31, with a World Cup squad at stake. - Goal.com"

Rome, March 20

The Italian squad for the FIFA World Cup playoffs was unveiled on Friday.

The squad features a total of 28 players, including midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, who had been in doubt due to a muscle strain. Liverpool's Federico Chiesa returns, while Marco Palestra of Cagliari has earned his first-ever call-up, as per Goal.com.

Zaccagni, Orsolini and Bernardeschi are not a part of the squad, so are Vicario and Zaniolo.

Italy will lock horns with Northern Ireland in the semifinal of the playoffs on March 26 and will play their first leg at home in Bergamo. If they beat Northern Ireland, the Gianluigi Donnarumma captained side will be playing in an away final against Wales or Bosnia on March 31, with a World Cup squad at stake.

The four-time champions have not qualified for the past two WC editions in 2018 and 2022, and their final appearance saw them finish 22nd and face a group stage exit. The tournament is being held from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

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

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);

Nicolo Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Nicolo Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle);

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

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Good to see Chiesa back! His pace and skill were missed. But honestly, the squad looks a bit thin in attack compared to their golden generation. Hope the young players like Retegui step up. The playoff pressure is immense.
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Aman W
Interesting to see so many players from Serie A clubs. The Italian league is producing good talent again. As an Indian fan, I just wish our national team could have even 10% of this structure and pipeline. We are light years behind.
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Sarah B
Donnarumma as captain is a solid choice. He's been through the highs and lows. The first match at home is crucial – they must win comfortably to take pressure off the potential final. Northern Ireland can be a tricky opponent.
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Vikram M
No Zaniolo? That's a surprise for me. He has that X-factor on his day. But maybe the coach wants more disciplined players for these high-stakes games. The midfield with Barella and Tonali (if fit) looks strong though.
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Karthik V
With the WC in North America, time zones will be brutal for us in India! 😅 But will still stay up if Italy qualifies. Their 2006 win is one of my earliest football memories. This playoff feels like a final already. All the best to them.
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