Federico Chiesa has been recalled from Italy for the first time in nearly two years as the Azzurri look to avoid a third successive World Cup. Coach Gennaro Gattuso named a 28-man squad for the upcoming play-offs on Friday, with the four-time world champions needing to win two legs to secure a place at the 2026 tournament.
Italy take on Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday and face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later. Win both and it’s done. Lose and they will be at least 16 years without participating in the World Cup.
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CHIESA GETS HIS CHANCE
The 28-year-old Chiesa last played for Italy at Euro 2024, where they were eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16. The striker was part of the team that won European Championship in 2021 but since then he has struggled to maintain a regular place in the national team lineup.
His club form didn’t help him. Chiesa joined Liverpool from Juventus in August 2024 but has managed just one Premier League start this season. Despite his lack of minutes, he has become a fan favorite at Anfield for his energy and passion whenever called upon.
NEW FACES IN THE STAFF
Gattuso also used the squad announcement to call up senior Cagliari defender Marco Palestra to Italy for the first time. The inclusion of the young defender signals a willingness to look beyond established names as Italy look for new options.
Atalanta defender Giorgio Scalvini and Roma midfielder Niccol Pisilli also return to the team after nearly two years away, giving Gattuso more depth to work with heading into the playoffs.
BETTING
Italy were knocked out by Sweden in the 2018 World Cup play-offs before suffering a stunning defeat to North Macedonia in 2022. Missing a third tournament in a row would be a huge blow for one of football’s most storied nations.
For Church and the rest of the squad, the next two games are about more than just qualification. They are concerned with restoring the reputation of Italian football on the world stage.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
20 March 2026 20:26 IST
