FLORENCE, Italy — In a decisive move to salvage their World Cup aspirations, Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has unveiled a 28-man squad featuring the long-awaited return of Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa. This marks Chiesa’s first international call-up since Italy’s disappointing Euro 2024 elimination against Switzerland nearly two years ago.
The four-time World Cup champions face a critical pathway to qualification, requiring consecutive playoff victories against Northern Ireland on March 23rd in Bergamo, followed by an away fixture against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina five days later. Failure would extend Italy’s World Cup absence to at least 16 years, having missed both the 2018 and 2022 tournaments following playoff defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia respectively.
Chiesa, whose career began at Fiorentina before his transfer from Juventus to Liverpool in August 2024, brings his championship experience from Italy’s Euro 2021 triumph. Despite limited playing time at Anfield with just one Premier League start this season, the 28-year-old winger remains a popular figure among fans for his relentless work ethic and passionate approach. His inclusion adds veteran presence to an attack seeking redemption.
The squad also introduces fresh talent with Cagliari defender Marco Palestra receiving his first senior call-up. Meanwhile, Atalanta’s Giorgio Scalvini and Roma midfielder Niccolò Pisilli make their returns after nearly two-year absences from the national team setup.
Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Alex Meret (Napoli). The defensive lineup features experienced campaigners including Inter Milan’s Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, Juventus duo Andrea Cambiaso and Federico Gatti, alongside Arsenal’s Riccardo Calafiori.
The midfield constellation boasts established stars such as Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), and Newcastle’s Sandro Tonali. The attacking contingent includes in-form strikers Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), and Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), providing Gattuso with multiple offensive options for these crucial encounters.