Gennaro Gattuso has named his Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of March and has included three uncapped players among his selections.
Which uncapped players are in Gattuso’s latest Italy squad?
Gattuso has called up a squad of 28 players for the World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo coming up on March 26. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in the play-off final on March 31: A one-match decider for a spot at the final World Cup tournament.
Given the importance of the occasion, Gattuso has understandably decided to stick with a core of trusted and experienced players.
The likes of Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Federico Dimarco, Sandro Tonali and Nicolo Barella are expected to start against Northern Ireland. There has also been a return to the squad for Federico Chiesa for the first time since EURO 2024.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 04: Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta reacts during the Coppa Italia match between SS Lazio and Atalanta BC at Olimpico Stadium on March 04, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Only three of the 28 players called up have not previously played for Italy. Two of them are goalkeepers in Marco Carnesecchi and Elia Caprile, neither of whom have yet been given an opportunity over Gianluigi Donnarumma or Guglielmo Vicario.
CAGLIARI, ITALY – FEBRUARY 16: Marco Palestra of Cagliari in action during the Serie A match between Cagliari Calcio and US Lecce at Stadio Sant’Elia on February 16, 2026 in Cagliari, Italy. (Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images)
Cagliari right-back Marco Palestra, on loan from Atalanta, is the only uncapped outfield player to be selected in the latest Italy squad. The 21-year-old has impressed in his first real breakthrough season at Serie A level, and is also included in the Cagliari starting line-up to take on Napoli on Friday evening.
Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery and will be ruled out of action for around a month, which is why he is not part of the 28-man Italy national team squad for the World Cup play-off, which kicks off next week.
Why is Vicario not in the latest Italy national team squad?
CT Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed his squad of 28 players to take on Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo on March 26. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in a one-legged play-off final on March 31.
Among Gattuso’s selections are four goalkeepers in Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Alex Meret (Napoli) and Elia Caprile (Cagliari), but there is no Vicario, who has been Italy’s regular second-choice for most of the last two years.
Initially, there had been speculation over Vicario’s form at Tottenham being the reason behind his absence from the Italy squad, however, Spurs have since confirmed that the former Empoli stopper requires surgery and will not be available for the play-offs.
Tottenham’s statement explains that Vicario has decided to have surgery now in order to minimise the impact on his season at club level. It is, and was always expected that Donnarumma will start in the play-off semi-final and the final should Italy qualify.
“We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia,” read a statement from Tottenham on Friday.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur at City Ground on December 14, 2025 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images)
“The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible.
“Guglielmo will commence his rehabilitation with our medical staff immediately, and it is hoped that he could return to action within the next month.”
We can confirm that Guglielmo Vicario will undergo surgery next week on a hernia.
The minor procedure for the Italy international goalkeeper has been timed to have as minimal impact on our season as possible.
Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri warns that Italy should ‘not imitate other countries’ and insists that youth sectors must be ‘fixed’ as only two Serie A sides remain in European competitions this season.
Bologna and Fiorentina are the only two Serie A representatives left in European competitions this term.
The Rossoblu have qualified for the Europa League quarter-finals, eliminating Roma, while Fiorentina have earned access to the Conference League quarter-finals.
During a pre-match press conference today, Allegri was asked his thoughts on the state of Italian football.
“I’m just talking, not explaining, because I don’t explain anything and I don’t have the truth. We shouldn’t denigrate Italian football,” the Milan coach said via SempreMilan.
“We have those characteristics; they’re part of the history of the Italian people, dating back to the Middle Ages and the defence of the forts. Now everyone’s talking.
“The speed of passing is certainly different and depends on the players. Why are games faster in Europe? First of all, because you either win or lose. The English league is completely different, not better or worse. When they say that in Italy the game stagnates and there’s less space, let’s look at the positive: it’s harder to score goals,” Allegri continued.
Allegri: Italy need to ‘fix the youth sectors’
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 18: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of AC Milan, reacts during the Serie A match between AC Milan and Como 1907 at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 18, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We were born and raised like this, and we’ve evolved. We shouldn’t go imitating other countries with different cultures. The history varies from club to club. We need to fix the youth sectors and find different formulas. But don’t talk, we need to do! And make decisions. I’ll end now, otherwise I’ll become polemical. I think numbers should be shown for all the youth sectors.
CREMONA, ITALY – MARCH 01: Massimiliano Allegri Head Coach of AC Milan reacts during the Serie A match between US Cremonese and AC Milan at Stadio Giovanni Zini on March 01, 2026 in Cremona, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Scaccianoce/Getty Images)
“These numbers should be brought out. We need to worry because so many kids who play football stop playing early and switch to tennis. To get to the Sinners, there’s a lot of work behind it. You have to be careful. Those who understand the youth sector just need to make some reforms.”
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has named his 28-man squad for the World Cup play-off, with Federico Chiesa returning to the team while Guglielmo Vicario is dropped.
The FIGC confirmed Gattuso’s squad for the 2026 World Cup play-off on Friday.
Liverpool winger Chiesa returns to the team for the first time since 2024.
The last time Chiesa had played for the national team was in the Euro 2024 Round of 16 tie against Switzerland.
Newcastle star Sandro Tonali is regularly part of the squad despite suffering an injury during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.
Exams undergone on Thursday, in fact, ruled out a serious muscle lesion for the ex-Milan ace.
Cagliari’s Marco Palestra earns his first senior call-up, while Tottenham’s Vicario is not part of the team as Gattuso has picked Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Alex Meret.
Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur claps the fans during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur FC and Manchester United FC at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
Italy will play Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, and the potential Final will be played on March 31, away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy squad for 2026 World Cup play-off
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after saving a penalty by Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
Gennaro Gattuso is expected to announce his Italy squad for the World Cup play-off today, but the FIGC already made an announcement this morning, unveiling the Nazionale’s new away kit.
“Today, adidas and the FIGC revealed the official Away Kit of the Italian national football team, which will be used for their upcoming international fixtures,” a statement reads.
“It is a jersey steeped in traditional Italian tailoring and inspired by the elegant suits worn by the National Team during legendary celebratory moments.
“The Away jersey features a blue and white pattern all across, mirroring the intricate textures seen in fine tailoring. The sleeves, logos, and numbering are finished with navy blue and gold details, while the collar is adorned with the ‘Italia’ monogram, inspired by bespoke embroidery, demonstrating a strong sense of identity and belonging.
“The jersey is made from jacquard fabric to provide a lighter finish and allow for more freedom of movement on the pitch. The kit is rounded off with the iconic three stripes running along the shoulders, applied using a herringbone pattern and designed to enhance breathability and ensure optimal ventilation even in the most demanding climates.
“The entire adidas Away jersey range is built for high performance, to support world-class players in moments of intense pressure. To adapt to the hottest and most challenging conditions, the engineered 3D body-mapped mechanical stretch fabrics incorporate adidas’ latest CLIMACOOL+ materials, which pull moisture away from the skin faster and keep players drier for longer.”
Italy’s next match is against Northern Ireland in Bergamo on March 26. It’s the World Cup play-off semifinal, and if the Azzurri qualify for the Final, they’ll play Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away.
If Italy qualify for the World Cup, they’ll be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms Piero Ausilio’s trip to London to hold talks with Guglielmo Vicario’s agent, but, according to the report, the Inter director also explored moves for other targets.
Inter sporting director Ausilio travelled to London earlier this week to continue negotiations for Tottenham and Italy goalkeeper Vicario, who has emerged as the Nerazzurri’s top goalkeeping target for next season.
Latest Inter transfer updates: Vicario, Gimenez, Goretzka
According to Gazzetta, Ausilio made the trip with Dario Baccin, another Inter director, and watched Wednesday’s Champions League match between Tottenham and Atletico Madrid at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by Vicario’s agent, Gabriele Giuffrida.
On Tuesday, Baccin and Ausilio were at Stamford Bridge for Chelsea-PSG.
Vicario’s agent and Inter directors are already on good terms, and the Italian keeper is very much open to moving to San Siro in the summer.
According to Gazzetta, Inter see him as the ideal replacement for Yann Sommer, particularly in terms of value for money.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Cagliari’s Elia Caprile and Real Madrid’s Andriy Lunin have also been considered by the Serie A table leaders, but Vicario is by far their favourite target, being available for barely €20m.
Gazzetta claims that Ausilio also used his trip to London to gather information about other potential targets.
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 26: Ange-Yoan Bonny of Internazionale is challenged by José Maria Gimenez of Atletico de Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD5 match between Atletico de Madrid and FC Internazionale Milano at Estadio Metropolitano on November 26, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
One of them is Atletico Madrid’s José Maria Gimenez, who might be allowed to leave the Colchoneros for free at the end of the season, despite a contract expiring in June 2028.
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is another potential target for Inter as the Germany international has been offered to all top Serie A clubs after deciding not to extend his expiring contract with the Bavarians.
Show game, Cambiaghi goal: Aston Villa in the quarter-finals
Conference: Rakow-Fiorentina 1-2, now Palace
Offer to Bernardo Silva
A genius worthy of Juve
Maxi proposal to beat competition: three years plus one for the champion who is available for a free transfer from Man City.
Inter, blitz Vicario
Meeting in London with the goalkeeper. Agreement close.
De Bruyne starts, Napoli dream of the supercomeback
Modric to the museum
Ballon d’Or at Casa Milan: ‘They love me here.’
Corriere dello Sport
A never-before-seen Napoli
In Cagliari with a trio made in Manchester
Conte changes, De Bruyne and McTominay on the pitch with Hojlund, who chases the record of season goals. He has already scored 14 times. Gilmour confirmed in central midfield. Lobotka tries too. Elmas out, Beukema in defence with Buongiorno and Olivera.
An Italian dream
Europa League: The Rossoblu win 4-3 at the Olimpico after 120 minutes: they are into the quarter-finals
Fantastic Bologna: Roma go home
Rowe breaks the deadlock, Ndicka replies, then Bernardeschi and Castro score. Gasp’s comeback with Malen and Pellegrini. Cambiaghi decides it with a counter-attack at minute 111. On April 9, Vincenzo will face Aston Villa.
Conference: Viola party. Pongracic scores from 55 meters
Chivu, tactics in six languages
From English to Dutch, more quality in human relationships and empathy
Juve, four points missing
Goal-scoring opportunities and results: negative ratio. Now, Vlahovic for the Champions League sprint.
Gattuso’s relief: Tonali available
No lesion for the Newcastle midfielder. List made, just one doubt in the attack.
Tuttosport
‘Dear Toro, Milan will win.’
Retegui calls, Juve listen
The hitman wants to leave Saudi Arabia: contact with Ottolini.
Not only Milan for the ex-Atalanta striker who wants to return to Italy. Spalletti’s favourite option remains Kolo Muani as Vlahovic’s partner. Otherwise, Zirkzee and Nico Jackson, but Mateo is intriguing. Tonight in Marassi, the Bianconeri scout Norton-Cuffy. Spinazzola’s chance on the left. Muharemovic emerges again in defence.
Pinamonti: ‘I challenge Spalletti, who has changed me.’
Livakovic Granata, here are the sponsors
Bologna paradise, Roma stripped
Fantastic 3-3. Cambiaghi’s counter-attack in extra time gives the quarter-finals and Aston Villa to the Rossoblu. Pongracic at ’97, Viola buzz (2-1). Now Crystal Palace.
Alessandro Nesta has paid warm tribute to his former AC Milan teammates Paolo Maldini and Andrea Pirlo, while also offering a revealing assessment of Massimiliano Allegri’s evolution as a manager, speaking to Corriere della Sera to mark his 50th birthday.
The former Italy international, who won two Champions League titles during his time at San Siro, was asked to reflect on the teammates who left the deepest impression on him.
On Pirlo, his admiration was immediate and genuine. “I knew he was good, but only when I was able to work with him did I realise he was a genius,” he said, with quotes via MilanNews.
epa00998510 Defender Alessandro Nesta of AC Milan celebrate the victory at the end of the Champions League second leg semifinal match against Manchester United in Milan’s San Siro-Giuseppe Meazza stadium late 02 May 2007. AC Milan won 3-0 and acceeds to the final match against Liverpool which will be played in Athens on 23 May. EPA/ETTORE FERRARI
Nesta full of praise for Milan teammates Maldini & Pirlo
For sheer professionalism, though, it was Maldini who set the standard that shaped Nesta’s understanding of what it meant to be a winner.
“When I arrived at Milan and saw that, despite not being a youngster anymore, he was always giving everything at full speed, I understood why Milan always won,” he said. “At Lazio we clung to a lot of excuses to justify our failures.”
His most cherished memory? The 2003 Champions League final in Manchester against Juventus. “It was my first. From that moment, reaching the final became an obligation.”
On Allegri, Nesta was candid about a rocky start to their relationship. The pair clashed over Pirlo’s role when Allegri arrived at Milan from Cagliari, Nesta found it inconceivable that his friend was not the fulcrum of the team.
“For Max, walking into a dressing room of champions who had won everything and were at the end of a cycle was not easy,” he said. The Nesta of today, however, sees a very different coach. “Now he is much more determined, stronger for all the experiences and victories he has accumulated.”
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has moved to ease concerns over Sandro Tonali’s fitness ahead of Italy’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland, while issuing a passionate rallying cry for the nation to get behind Gennaro Gattuso’s side.
Speaking at a press conference following the federal council meeting, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, Gravina offered cautious but genuine optimism over the Newcastle midfielder’s condition after he was forced off during a recent club match.
“I am rather calm,” he said. “I am in close contact with Gattuso and last night I spoke with Sandro alongside the coach and our doctor De Carli. He was calmer than he was when he left the pitch, there is a concern, but it is at a very moderate level. This morning’s tests were reassuring. We will do everything possible to get him fit, working alongside Newcastle with whom we are in continuous contact.”
ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)
Gravina: ‘Italy must push these players to America… even if they have to swim!’
With a World Cup place on the line, Gravina drew explicit parallels with Italy’s triumphant Euro 2020 campaign, invoking the spirit of that summer to galvanise supporters ahead of what he described as a defining week for Italian football.
“Back then I described us as a normal team that could become special if we all felt the pride and belonging of the Azzurri shirt together,” he said. “Our fans helped those players overcome some formidable opponents. We need that same call to arms now, the push from this country must carry these players to America, even if they have to swim there.”
The FIGC president also revealed his own emotional investment in the coming days.
“I am tense, emotions feed me and it is impossible to be indifferent before an appointment this important,” he admitted.
“I will join the squad from the very first moment of their training camp and I will not leave their side for a second. The message will be: let us live this together, as a moment of freedom and serenity, knowing that if we are good the reward will be extraordinary.”
He ended on a note of genuine surprise and delight, confirming that tickets for the playoff had sold out within an hour, something he described as unprecedented in Italian football history.
According to Calciomercato.com, the Nerazzurri director Piero Ausilio has travelled to London to hold talks with the Tottenham star.
Spurs are fighting for Premier League survival, and Vicario is eager to return to Serie A next season.
Calciomercato.com confirms that the Italy international has already given the green light to a move to Inter.
With Yann Sommer’s contract expiring at the end of the season, the Nerazzurri are already preparing to sign a new goalkeeper, and preliminary talks with Vicario’s entourage began some weeks ago.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MARCH 15: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham looks on during the Premier League match between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur at Anfield on March 15, 2026 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
According to several sources, Tottenham will likely demand a fee between €15m and €20m for Vicario, but if Spurs are relegated to the Championship, their asking price will drop further.
BILBAO, SPAIN – MAY 21: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur lifts the UEFA Europa League trophy after his team’s victory in the UEFA Europa League Final 2025 between Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United at Estadio de San Mames on May 21, 2025 in Bilbao, Spain. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images)
Vicario has conceded 165 goals in 115 games with Tottenham, but won the Europa League with the Premier League club last season.
Reports in Italy claim that medical tests undergone by Sandro Tonali today have ruled out muscle injuries, so the Azzurri star will be available for next week’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland.
The MRI scan Sandro Tonali underwent on Thursday ruled out any muscle injuries, according to Italian sources, including Gazzetta.
Positive Tonali injury update for Italy and Newcastle
The Newcastle midfielder will therefore be available for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semifinal between Italy and Northern Ireland.
Tonali was forced to be substituted during Newcastle’s Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday, raising concerns that he would not be available for Italy’s crucial match next week.
Besides the positive outcome of today’s tests, Tonali no longer feels pain in his left thigh, but he could still miss the upcoming Premier League match against Sunderland to resume training with the Azzurri next week.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
Italy coach Gattuso is expected to release his squad list tomorrow, while players will begin preparations in Coverciano on Monday, March 23.
If Italy beat Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal on March 26, they’ll meet the winner of the Wales-Bosnia Herzegovina match on March 31.
Sky Sport Italia reports that Hakan Calhanoglu will be available for Inter’s away game at Fiorentina on Sunday, while Italy international Alessandro Bastoni could return to group training tomorrow.
Inter are preparing for Sunday’s away game at Fiorentina, and Sky Sport Italia provides the latest injury updates for the Nerazzurri.
Latest Inter injury updates
Calhanoglu has recovered from a calf injury and will be available for selection against Fiorentina.
Serie A’s top goalscorer, Lautaro Martinez, on the other hand, has intensified the workload but has continued to work separately.
If the Argentina international doesn’t return to group training in the next two days, he’ll be ruled out of the next league match.
Italy international Bastoni suffered an injury in the Milan derby and missed the most recent match against Atalanta.
Sky Sport reports that the Italian has partially worked with the team over the last few days, and that he could join his teammates for a full training session tomorrow.
BARI, ITALY – AUGUST 16: Alessandro Bastoni of Inter during Pre-Season Friendly match between FC Internazionale and Olympiacos FC at Stadio San Nicola on August 16, 2025 in Bari, Italy. (Photo by Maurizio Lagana/Getty Images)
If that is the case, Bastoni will be given the green light for the Fiorentina game as well as Italy’s World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland on March 26.
MILAN, ITALY – MARCH 08: Henrikh Mkhitaryan of Inter competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC Milan during the Serie A match between AC Milan and FC Internazionale at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on March 08, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Last but not least, Mkhitaryan won’t be available against Fiorentina as he aims to return to action after the break, probably in a home match against his former club, Roma, on Easter.
Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi feels the Italy national team needs ‘real supporters’ for the 2026 World Cup play-off: ‘Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do.’
Italy World Cup winner De Rossi spoke about the state of Italian football during a press conference on Thursday. Tomorrow, his Genoa side host Udinese in Serie A Round 30.
De Rossi: Italy need ‘true supporters’ in World Cup play-off
“I feel that too many times, we coaches lose in Europe, we tend to blame our football and the youth sectors. Last season, Inter reached the Champions League Final, beating Barcelona, and the youth sector was the same as this season,” De Rossi said via TMW.
Atalanta’s elimination from the Champions League Round of 16 means Serie A has no more representatives in Europe’s elite competition.
“It’s easy to say that youth sectors don’t work. Football is changing and will further change. My ideal player has more physical strength than a few years ago,” continued De Rossi.
“Then losing to Bayern Munich is understandable, as they have players worth €50m-60m-70m, and they’ve signed them from various youth systems around the world. Those are incredible realities, and it’s not strange to suffer heavy defeats. Atalanta shouldn’t be blamed as they played with pride, losing to a way stronger team.
GENOA, ITALY – FEBRUARY 7: Daniele De Rossi, head coach of Genoa, reacts during the Serie A match between Genoa CFC and SSC Napoli at Stadio Luigi Ferraris on February 7, 2026 in Genoa, Italy. (Photo by Simone Arveda/Getty Images)
“As for the national team, we need to be less critical, and all be true supporters. If it goes badly, there will be a revolt, and there will be time to talk about Gravina, Gattuso and Buffon. Now we play against Northern Ireland, and if we go ahead, Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. I don’t think they have better youth sectors than we do. Now we must stop criticism and say a few words to support Gattuso and his players, who, I think, will play two great games.”
Juventus and Italy legend Alessandro Del Piero argues that Italian clubs are always ‘tired’, but should complain less about the fixture list and focus more on the pitch.
Serie A has no more representatives in the Champions League following Atalanta’s elimination from the Round of 16 at the hands of Bayern Munich.
Del Piero: Italian clubs ‘always’ tired
La Dea suffered a 10-2 aggregate loss against the Bundesliga giants while Napoli, Inter and Juventus had been knocked out in the previous rounds.
“Our problem is that we get tired. We are always the ones who are tired. In Italy, we are always tired,” Del Piero told Sky Sport via Fanpage.
“I’ve heard very few coaches abroad complain about matches or say we are tired. You have to adapt. We are talking about teams; you have to equip yourself accordingly.
“Today’s football is different. You have more players, more substitutions, more money to invest in physical preparation, recovery and so on. There’s more of everything.”
The last time an Italian club won the Champions League was in 2009-10 with José Mourinho’s Inter.
Since then, Juventus and Inter have reached the Final twice each, but failed to bring home the coveted cup.
“You need professionalism in trying to improve the players, because there is room for improvement. There is, because others do so,” Del Piero continued.
“We think we are the best, yet we concede seven goals, as it happened; then something isn’t quite right. Barcelona always play the same players. Then if someone gets injured, they take him out and put another one in.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – DECEMBER 10: Former football player Alessandro Del Piero looks on prior to the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD6 match between Atalanta BC and Real Madrid C.F. at Stadio di Bergamo on December 10, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Del Piero won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and the World Cup with the Italy national team ten years later in 2006.
The Italian national team will play in the World Cup play-off later this month after failing to qualify for the competition in 2018 and 2022.
La Gazzetta dello Sport confirms that Guglielmo Vicario is Inter’s main goalkeeping target for 2026-27 and that the Italian is open to returning to Serie A after his relationship with Tottenham reached a low point.
Inter have identified Italy international Vicario as their main target in goal for next season.
Latest transfer updates on Vicario and Inter
The Nerazzurri are looking for a new starting goalkeeper for 2026-27, and previous reports suggested they would hold a new round of talks with the Tottenham star’s agents this month.
According to Gazzetta, Vicario has already informed his agents that he’d be happy to return to Serie A, particularly at Inter, which he was already close to joining in 2023 before his switch from Empoli to Tottenham.
Gazzetta highlights that Vicario’s relationship with Spurs reached a low point in recent months, so the Nerazzurri are confident they can reach an agreement with the Premier League side, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation.
LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Guglielmo Vicario of Tottenham Hotspur celebrates his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Burnley at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on August 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
Inter, however, are aware that Tottenham’s asking price will be between €15m and €20m next summer, provided they remain in the Premier League.
Inter are not expected to offer a contract extension to Yann Sommer, although the club could change their mind and keep the Swiss international as a second-choice goalkeeper next season if they receive offers for Josep Martinez.
MILAN, ITALY – FEBRUARY 14: Francesco Pio Esposito and Yann Sommer of FC Internazionale Milano celebrate following the team’s victory in the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and Juventus FC at Giuseppe Meazza Stadium on February 14, 2026 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Italy star Sandro Tonali will undergo an MRI scan today to learn the extent of a muscle injury suffered during Wednesday’s Champions League match against Barcelona.
Italy and Newcastle will wait for the outcome of Tonali’s medical tests today, Gazzetta reports.
The Italian midfielder was forced to be substituted during the second half of a Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday due to a suspected muscle injury.
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe admitted after the match that Tonali is in doubt for the next Premier League fixture against Sunderland, but the Italy national team is even more concerned as the Azzurri will play in the World Cup play-off next week.
Sandro Tonali plays for Italy in Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri)
The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in the semi-final in Bergamo on March 26, and if they progress to the Final, they’ll play away against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Tonali was one of the Italy players with a guaranteed spot in the squad and in the starting XI, so coach Gennaro Gattuso will be hoping for good news from Newcastle today.
Italy World Cup winner Luca Toni praised Harry Kane following Bayern Munich’s 4-1 win over Atalanta last night: ‘Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words,’ the English forward replied.
During his post-match interview with Prime Video Italia, Kane said he was “proud” of his goals, especially the second one.
“It’s one of my favourite goals in my career,” said the English star.
“It’s a mixture of skill, technique, balance and obviously, the finish as well. In the moment, it felt really special.”
MUNICH, GERMANY – MARCH 18: Harry Kane of FC Bayern Munich scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Bayern München and Atalanta BC at Football Arena Munich on March 18, 2026 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images)
Ex-Italy and Bayern Munich star Toni commented on the game as a pundit for Prime Video and told Kane: “I’m in love with him in footballing terms, because he’s one of the last physical centre-forwards. There are many false nines, but he’s the best centre-forward in the world right now.”
The Bayern Munich star replied: “I appreciate it. Coming from a top No.9 like you, it’s special words, thank you.”
Allegri’s choices: a three-year deal for the German to overtake Juve. The Lazio centre-back has convinced everyone.
Tonali, World Cup anxiety
Injured with Newcastle, Italy is on alert for the play-off
We have the derby left
Roma-Bologna (21), the second leg resumes from 1-1. Fiorentina (18:45) defends a 2-1 lead against Rakow.
Ruthless Bayern, Atalanta concede four more
Germans with Real in the quarter-finals, Liverpool will face PSG
Corriere dello Sport
Europa League verdict
64,000 at the Olimpico for Roma-Bologna: it’s the 22nd derby of Italy. It restarts from 1-1. The winner will face Aston Villa or Lille. Kick-off at 21:00 CET.
In & Out
Gasp against Italiano, challenge for the quarter-finals
Gian Piero: ‘Conscience clear.’ Wesley: ‘Red card against Como? Serious and unacceptable incident.’ Castro launches the challenge to Malen. Vincenzo: ‘They are favourites.’ Bernardeschi and Rowe in the trident.
Conference: Viola 2 to eliminate Rakow (18:45).
Juve move: Alisson on target
Inter bring Stankovic Jr. back home
Leao and Milan: unstable relationship
Premier Napoli: Conte’s assault
Bovo emotion: ‘Unique happiness.’
He scored with Watford after 506 days from the last time: ‘I missed it.’
Atalanta, another collapse. Osi out.
Tuttosport
Juve, first issue
Comolli likes restes, Spalletti, somebody like De Gea
The choice of the next goalkeeper reflects a difference of opinion between the director, fascinated by the Frenchman from Toulouse, and the coach, who would rather go for a more experienced goalkeeper, such as the Spaniard Vicario or Dibu Martinez. Alisson and Carnesecchi are the dreams. Manninger: ‘I’d trust one between Di Gregorio and Perin.’ Lucio waits for Chiellini’s return to define the renewal: the salary could rise to 6m.
Toro, pathway for Livakovic
Seven Barcelona goals, Tonali anxiety
Injury for the Azzurro: alarm ahead of the World Cup play-off. Ruthless Bayern: another goal-fest against Atalanta.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe confirms Italy international Sandro Tonali ‘has a groin, sort of hip problem’ after going off injured against Barcelona.
Newcastle United went on to lose 7-2 on the night and were eliminated from the Round of 16.
Tonali concern grows for Italy
BARCELONA, SPAIN – MARCH 18: Marc Bernal of FC Barcelona is challenged by Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 Second Leg match between FC Barcelona and Newcastle United FC at Camp Nou on March 18, 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
With the World Cup play-offs coming up against Northern Ireland, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will be anxious to know if the problem for Tonali is serious.
Speaking to the media after the match, Newcastle manager Howe was asked if Tonali was a doubt for this weekend’s game against Sunderland.
“It looks like he’s got a groin, sort of hip problem. I thought he performed really well in the first half and we really missed him in that second period.”
Italy have already lost Mattia Zaccagni today for the World Cup play-offs, as the Lazio wide attacker was ruled out for several weeks by a muscular injury.
Marco Verratti, who had been tipped for a potential call-up, has also sustained an injury and will not be available for the Azzurri.
The midfielder was in the starting XI for the chaotic encounter at Camp Nou, which had Barcelona winning 3-2 at half-time after a 1-1 first leg result in England.
He was down hurt and clutching the side of his left thigh after a lunging tackle at the by-line, eventually replaced by Joe Willock.
Italy fear for Tonali fitness
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 28: Sandro Tonali of Newcastle United during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Everton at St James’ Park on February 28, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
This will cause concern for Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, because Tonali would be one of the first names in the list for the upcoming 2026 World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.
It remains to be seen how bad the situation is for Tonali, and whether or not he will be available for Italy’s crucial path to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Lazio winger Mattia Zaccagni picked up a muscular injury during his side’s recent 1-0 win against Milan and is now expected to miss Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of the month according to the latest updates.
Zaccagni ruled out of crucial Italy and Lazio fixtures
Lazio have confirmed in a statement on Wednesday that Zaccagni is due for a spell on the sidelines after picking up an injury in Serie A on Sunday evening.
“During the Lazio-Milan league match, Mattia Zaccagni suffered a medium-scale post-traumatic muscular injury to the vastus medialis and vastus intermedius of his right thigh. The player has already started the recovery protocol,” Lazio’s statement read.
ROME, ITALY – MARCH 15: Mattia Zaccagni of SS Lazio competes for the ball with Fikayo Tomori of AC MIlan during the Serie A match between SS Lazio and AC Milan at Stadio Olimpico on March 15, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Marco Rosi – SS Lazio/Getty Images)
Zaccagni’s injury is expected to rule him out of Italy’s upcoming World Cup play-off campaign, which kicks off on March 26, according to Wednesday’s reports.
As per Calciomercato, Zaccagni is likely to miss around a month of action, which rules him out of the upcoming international break, plus potential club matches against Bologna, Parma, Fiorentina and Napoli.
It isn’t a case of his season being over, but Zaccagni is unlikely to return to the Bancocelesti starting line-up until the final few matches of the campaign.
The World Cup play-off is just around the corner for Italy, and Gazzetta notes that the Azzurri must ‘beat fear’ after failing to qualify for the previous two editions.
Italy will be looking to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 2014, meeting Northern Ireland in the play-off semifinal next week.
Italy ‘insecure and afraid’ ahead of World Cup play-off
The match will be played in Bergamo on March 26, and if the Azzurri progress to the final, they’ll face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away.
“We are no longer a great side, but we are not mediocre either. We are insecure and afraid. Compared to previous collapses, the situation is very different,” wrote Gazzetta journalist Fabio Licari.
“Against Sweden in 2017, the head coach (Ventura) had effectively lost the dressing room. It was a modest Italy and an opponent, Sweden, that was awkward to say the least. We didn’t understand anything.
PALERMO, ITALY – MARCH 24: Alessandro Bastoni and Joao Pedro Galvao of Italy look dejected during the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier knockout round play-off match between Italy and North Macedonia at Renzo Barbera Stadium in Palermo, Italy. (Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images)
“Five years later, against North Macedonia, it was the opposite. Overconfidence, already thinking about the final with Portugal before getting past the semi-final,” the journalist continued.
“It was a psychological mistake before a technical or tactical one: 32 shots, 32 touches inside the box, 16 corners; almost absurd statistics. That night taught us that the unbelievable can happen. Now we are certainly better equipped and less arrogant.
“We need to shake off the nihilism that paralyses us at the first sign of trouble, even against weaker opponents. Northern Ireland won in Luxembourg and lost 3-1 in Germany and 1-0 in Slovakia. It won’t be easy, but let’s be honest: we are stronger.
“In the possible final, we would face Bosnia or Wales. Dzeko’s side narrowly beat Cyprus, San Marino and Romania at home, and lost to Austria. In Cardiff, Kazakhstan, Leichtestein and North Macedonia have been beaten, but Belgium won there. Wales would be tougher because of their Premier League tempo and a fiery atmosphere, but they are not unbeatable.
“It almost sounds ironic, given our history. We are not favourites, but we can compete with Tonali, Donnarumma, Calafiori at a Premier League level, Kean, Retegui and Esposito in attack, and Dimarco as a top European wing-back. The others, however, have an advantage: nothing to lose.”
Roma supporters were in attendance for Watford’s 3-1 victory over Wrexham in the EFL Championship to watch Edoardo Bove score his first goal since suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday night: ‘Even if you leave Rome, you won’t be alone’.
Bove back amongst the goals for the first time since 2024: ‘It wasn’t like that in my dreams!’
Bove is back to doing what he loves best after netting in the 94th minute to seal a 3-1 victory for his new club, Watford, over Championship promotion hopefuls Wrexham on Tuesday evening.
This was Bove’s first competitive goal since October 2024, when he scored in a thumping 5-1 victory for Fiorentina against his boyhood club, Roma.
Fiorentina’s midfielder Edoardo Bove celebrates after scoring a goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match ACF Fiorentina vs AS Roma at Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence, Italy, 27 October 2024. EPA-EFE/CLAUDIO GIOVANNINI
Not long after that, Bove collapsed on the pitch early on in a Serie A match between Fiorentina and Inter, and it was later confirmed that he had suffered a cardiac arrest. Bove later had an internal defibrillator device fitted, which prevents him from playing professionally in Italy, but does not prohibit him from playing in the UK.
This was a situation similar to the one that involved Christian Eriksen, who joined Brentford and later Manchester United after leaving Inter shortly after suffering a cardiac arrest while playing for Denmark at EURO 2020.
Despite spending over a year out of action, assessing his next steps after learning that a return to action in Serie A would not be possible, Bove joined Championship side Watford as a free agent in January.
He has since gone on to make six substitute appearances for the Hornets, and on Wednesday night, grabbed his first goal in England during a 3-1 victory over Wrexham at Vicarage Road.
“I had a lot of time to think about my first goal when I was coming back. To be honest, it wasn’t like this, as it was an easy one! In my dreams it was in the top corner,” Bove joked after full-time.
“But the celebration was unbelievable. I went directly to the fans and I’m so happy for the team who have supported me, and all the staff, physios and doctors who have been watching my situation carefully and trying to do their best to get me on the pitch.
“I’m so happy this happened today and I’m looking forward to what’s next.
To make the occasion extra special for Bove, he was being cheered on by a large section of UK-based Roma supporters, who held up Giallorossi scarfs and a banner that read: ‘Even if you leave Rome, you won’t be alone’.
Italy captain Gianluigi Donnarumma reveals why he pulled his arm back before Federico Valverde’s first goal during last week’s Champions League match against Real Madrid: ‘The first thing I thought was to do as little damage as possible.’
Donnarumma’s Manchester City have been eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 by Real Madrid, suffering a 5-1 aggregate defeat.
Donnarumma’s post-match interview after Man City 1-2 Real Madrid
The Premier League giants lost both ties against the Merengues, first 3-0 in Madrid and then 2-1 in Manchester.
Federico Valverde scored a hat-trick at the Bernabeu last week, with his first goal coming after a dribble past Donnarumma. The goalkeeper rushed off his line but didn’t touch the ball at the edge of the box, likely wary of handling the ball outside the area.
During a post-match interview with Sky Sport Italia on Tuesday, ex-Milan and England coach Capello asked Donnarumma about his decision to move that way.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City celebrates after saving a penalty by Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid (not pictured) during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
“The first goal you conceded in Madrid. Why didn’t you stretch out your hand? Did you think that you were outside the box?” Capello asked.
“It was so fast that the first thing I thought was to do as little damage as possible and get out of my way as much as I could,” Donnarumma replied.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Vinicius Junior of Real Madrid is fouled by Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City which leads to a penalty to Real Madrid during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
“My goal was to move out of the way and not harm the team. Even watching the replay, I saw that the ball was close to my hand, but at normal speed, everything is much harder. I watched the replay and indeed it passed very close to my hand.”
During the same interview, Donnarumma said Manchester City won’t change their style of play after their Champions League exit and looked forward to “crucial games” with the Premier League giants and the Italy national team.
According to Tuttosport, Milan director Igli Tare has met with one of Mateo Retegui’s agents as the Rossoneri aim to sign a new centre-forward, but the Italy star would need to lower his salary for a summer transfer.
Milan sporting director Tare has reportedly met a member of Retegui’s entourage, Alessandro Moggi.
Milan: Tare meets Retegui’s agent
According to Tuttosport, Retegui is once again on the Rossoneri’s radar as the Serie A giants look for a new centre-forward for 2026-27.
Milan are unlikely to make Niclas Fullkrug’s move permanent at the end of the season and Retegui was already on their agenda in the past, including last summer, when the Italy international joined Al-Qadisiya from Atalanta for nearly €70m.
HONG KONG, CHINA – AUGUST 20: Mateo Retegui of Al Qadisah looks on during the Saudi Super Cup semi final between Al-Ahli and Al-Qadsiah at Hong Kong Stadium on August 20, 2025 in Hong Kong, China. (Photo by Yu Chun Christopher Wong/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)
Retegui is aware that he’d need to lower his €16m-per-season salary if he were to join Milan in the summer.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Sander Berge of Norway battles for possession with Mateo Retegui of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
According to the report, the Rossoneri could offer €5m per year until 2031, while Al-Qadisiya’s asking price is around €45m- € 50m.
Tuttosport confirms that Retegui is not Milan’s only target in attack for next season, as Fiorentina star Moise Kean is also on the Rossoneri’s shopping list.
Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior made headlines on Tuesday, handing a note to Alejandro Garnacho in the dying minutes of a 3-0 loss against PSG: ‘He’s out of his mind,’ said Fabio Capello, while Alessandro Costacurta added: ‘As a footballer, I wouldn’t have seen it as a way to get the players on my side.’
Chelsea were eliminated from the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday, suffering a 3-0 home loss against title holders PSG.
The Blues were knocked out with a 2-8 aggregate defeat, but despite the obvious outcome in the dying minutes, their coach, Rosenior, continued to give tactical instructions to his players.
At minute 84, he handed a note to Garnacho, who had been introduced a few minutes earlier.
The Argentine winger didn’t seem overly eager to relay the coach’s tactical instructions to his teammates, especially since the match was practically over.
Italian journalist Paolo Condò, one of the most popular in the country and a member of the Ballon d’Or voting board, joked that Garnacho was thinking, ‘I should have joined Napoli.’
Pundit Paolo Di Canio, a former West Ham, Lazio and Juventus striker, added: “Look at the way he entered the field. I was also a bit of a prude, but these new coaches are almost philosophers now.
“It seems like a joke, but it’s not. They strongly believe that even the attitude in the final minutes is important. They believe in it. I see many who do the same thing despite losing 3-0. They want to show they study until the end; it’s the new generation. I understand it, but I’m like: ‘What are you doing?’
Capello: Chelsea players will ‘laugh’ at Rosenior
Capello and Costacura were surely tougher on the Chelsea boss: “He’s out of his mind,” said Capello.
“He did something that will make the players laugh. That’s what they think. You saw his [Garnacho’s] face when he entered the pitch with that note; he was like: ‘What are you saying to me?’
Alessandro Costacurta Commissioner of FIGC looks on before the International Friendly match between Italy U21 and Belgium U21 at Friuli Stadium on October 11, 2018 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
“When you do smart things, you are involved, but when you do something like that, how are you involving somebody?”
Ex-Milan defender Costacurta, a five-time Champions League winner, concluded: “I was a player, and if something like that had happened to me, I wouldn’t have seen it as a way to get the players on my side. It’s possible that there’s a new trend, but you can see the attitude from Garnacho’s face.”
In the last month without Hakan three draws and one defeat, but Chivu reunites with his regista in Florence.
Pulisic and Leao: it’s peace. Rafa apologised: Let’s start again.
Juve, David to leave to re-sign Kolo Muani
Atalanta, Dea pride
Chelsea and City out, Bodo crushed.
Corriere dello Sport
Exclusive interview
Kenan Yildiz
‘My strength is the normality.’
The parents, the brother, Can Uzun, Bayern, Turkey and Juve: the simplicity of a phenomenon.
‘Del Piero is a legend, I’ve just started.’
Spalletti
‘The prince of football is the boy next door’
‘I’ve always played to improve; the money is a consequence. When I was eight, I played against those aged 18.’
‘The renewal? I’ve immediately felt trust here in Turin. In Germany, they didn’t believe in me.’
‘Spalletti? A man of emotions. Allegri? I owe him this life. The role? Better on the left.’
Tuttosport
Juve: Zirkzee with Vlahovic
DV9 renewal, it’s almost done and the Dutchman emerges again.
The former Bologna striker has a new issue with Manchester United and is pushing to leave; the Bianconeri could reshape their attacking strategy. Thuram warning for Sassuolo: Koopmeiners ready. The stats on the ability to quickly resume the play justify Perin replacing Di Gregorio.
‘Now a feat at San Siro.’
Toro behind the scenes: what D’Aversa told the team.
Retegui and Milan: contact!
Meeting around the table: the issue is the salary. Fofana: ‘The change of role will cost me the World Cup.’ Leao under pressure replies with the…Gospel. NBA Europe: Cardinale pushes. Arena in San Donato?
Dea for the honour, two English sides out.
City don’t make the comeback against Real, Chelsea crushed by PSG (Kvara scores again). Arsenal OK, epic Sporting CP.
Gianluigi Donnarumma played ninety minutes tonight as Manchester City crashed out of the Champions League, with a 5-1 defeat on aggregate but a modest 2-1 defeat on the night.
City went into the game as strong favourites, needing to overturn the 3-0 loss in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu, and the visitors making a number of changes, including leaving a number of key personnel out of the team.
However, Donnarumma’s side had a nightmare start when Bernardo Silva was given a straight red card for preventing a goal with his hand just 21 minutes into the match, and Vinicius Jr scoring the resulting penalty.
MADRID, SPAIN – MARCH 11: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Manchester City walks out prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 Round of 16 First Leg match between Real Madrid CF and Manchester City FC at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on March 11, 2026 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
Donnarumma makes huge save but can’t stop City exit
Erling Haaland scored in the 41st minute to give the hosts a lifeline but, a man down, the task became much more difficult.
In the second half, City pushed, despite their man disadvantage.
Real Madrid had their fair share of chances too and Italian Donnarumma pulled off an impressive save to deny Tchouameni with twenty minutes to play.
After a whipped corner from Trent Alexander-Arnold, Tchouameni got his head to it, forcing an acrobat save out of the Azzurri shot-stopper.
City’s remaining efforts were in vain and Vinicius Jr doubled his tally to put the icing on the cake in stoppage time.
Donnarumma will be disappointed to exit the tournament he won less than twelve months ago with PSG but must recover his focus ahead of an important month for club and country.
Gianluigi Donnarumma haș been named in the starting lineup for Manchester City this evening, as they welcome Real Madrid to the Etihad Stadium with a 3-goal deficit to overturn from the first leg.
The Italian shot-stopper has been Pep Guardiola’s number one since he arrived last summer from Paris Saint-Germain.
He will need to be at his best tonight, with every goal the Premier League giants conceding tonight having a massive impact on their potential comeback.
LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
Donnarumma starts, Calafiori on the bench in UCL action
Meanwhile, Arsenal host Bayer Leverkusen at the Emirates Stadium after the first leg finished all square at 1-1 in Germany.
Italian defender Riccardo Calafiori is not included in Mikel Arteta’s starting lineup, with former Leverkusen man Piero Hincapie playing at left-back.
Calafiori received praise in the Premier League at the weekend after a tremendous scorpion block to deny Everton a first half opener.
The former Bologna man is, however, on the bench for the Gunners and may be deployed by Arteta later in the match.
Italy national team striker Mateo Retegui is back in Florence and is reportedly working individually one week early ahead of Italy’s World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of the month.
Retegui’s Italy training camp has already begun
Retegui currently plays for Al-Qadsiah, who sit in fourth place in the Saudi Pro League standings. The Argentine-born Italy international has provided 15 goals from 25 league outings so far this season.
Due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, there will be no Saudi Pro League matches this coming weekend, which means that compared to the rest of his Italy teammates, Retegui has an extra week off ahead of the World Cup play-offs, which kick off on March 26.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Retegui has already arrived in Florence, where Italy’s Coverciano training base is located, has rented an apartment nearby and is expecting to train individually every day until the rest of the squad reports for duty after their league fixtures this coming weekend.
According to the Pink Paper, Retegui was concerned about the long pause that he would have had between matches, and decided to return to Italy a week early after phone calls with the FIGC and CT Gennaro Gattuso.
UDINE – OCTOBER 14: Mateo Retegui celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between against Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Tuesday’s report states that Retegui’s training camp ‘has already begun’.
Retegui is one of several strikers expected to be called up to the Azzurri squad for this month’s World Cup deciders against Northern Ireland and either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina. Fiorentina’s Moise Kean, Inter’s Pio Esposito and Atalanta’s Giacomo Raspadori are also expected to be included among Gattuso’s selections.
Retegui is Italy’s leading goalscorer since Gattuso was called in to replace Luciano Spalletti as CT last summer. The national team has scored 19 goals from six matches since then: Retegui with five, Kean with four, Esposito with three and Raspadori and Gianluca Mancini with two apiece. Matteo Politano, Sandro Tonali and Alessandro Bastoni have one each.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill insists that Italy are ‘the team with everything to lose’ ahead of the meeting of the two nations in the World Cup play-off semi-final next Thursday, and believes that playing the match in Bergamo benefits the Green and White Army.
Italy will host Northern Ireland at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semi-final coming up on March 26. The winner of that match will progress to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in a one-legged play-off final on March 31 for a spot at the final tournament.
Italy have not yet announced their squad for the March international break, but are expected to by the end of this week. Northern Ireland confirmed their selections on Monday night, and O’Neill has given his verdict in front of the media at his press conference in Belfast.
O’Neill on Italy pressure, Tonali quality and a venue that ‘suits’ Northern Ireland
The Northern Ireland head coach admits that there is a clear difference in quality between the two sides.
Italy are expected to name a full squad of top-flight players, most of whom will have played in the Champions League at some stage this season, while Northern Ireland are only able to offer four Premier League players, 13 from the EFL Championship and eight from England’s third tier. They also have representatives from the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Championship and the 2. Bundesliga.
“I mean, they’ve got a bunch of players who play in Serie A, play for Inter Milan, Lazio, Roma, Napoli,” said O’Neill during his press conference on Monday night (via The Irish News).
“They also have players that play in the Premier League at top clubs as well. You know, Tonali is arguably as good a midfield player as there is in the Premier League. Calafiori at Arsenal as well. So, it’s going to be a very, very tough game. There’s no doubt about that.
“We’re going to have to step up. If you look at our squad there, there’s 13 players in the Championship. There’s four at Premier League clubs and the rest are League One or playing their football elsewhere.
“So, it is a big step up for us. But it’s a step up we’ve made in the past. I think we made it in the Germany game, albeit we didn’t get the results that we felt we maybe could have done. We have to try and make that step up again.”
Given the difference in personnel available, O’Neill believes that Italy are the ones with more pressure heading into the World Cup play-offs.
“If you look at this game, we’re the team with everything to gain. They’re the team with everything to lose,” he said.
“They have a lot of expectation as a football nation. Their players will have to deal with that. But that’s for them, we can’t really use it.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Players of Italy sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“We’ve just got to make the game as difficult for the opposition as possible and then those types of things will, I think, become factors in the game in terms of their mentality to the game and how we try and obviously make it more prevalent for them to think about things like that.”
Italy have won five of their first six matches since Gennaro Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti as CT, but fell to defeat against Norway on home soil in their most recent test, which sent them to the play-offs instead of the final World Cup tournament.
“If you look at this group, they’ve had a change of manager after two games. Gennaro Gattuso’s been in for six games. They lost their last game 4-1 at San Siro against Norway. A game where they played well in the first half to be honest, and led 1-0, but they would have been disappointed with how the game finished in the second half as well,” said O’Neill.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
“I personally went to a game in Bergamo on the 27th of December. I saw Inter and Atalanta play, so I know what the atmosphere is like.That was a good atmosphere at the game because, obviously it’s not a derby but they’re very close by, Bergamo and Milan, so there was a big Inter Milan away support there as well.”
O’Neill believes that Italy selected Bergamo as the host city for this play-off semi-final due to their ghosts at other venues, but insists that the New Balance Arena will make the Northern Ireland squad feel more comfortable compared to San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico.
“I think that possibly their history has made them make that decision. They’ve lost play-offs I think in the San Siro and as I touched on, their last game in San Siro against Norway. The outcome wouldn’t have been what they’d hoped for. So maybe they feel the smaller stadium brings less pressure. I don’t know.”
“For us the venue is fine. Most of our players play their club football weekly in venues of that size. They’re not running out in front of 80,000, 90,000 people every week. So I think the venue suits us.”
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 17: Players of Northern Ireland pose for a team photograph prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg at Windsor Park on November 17, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Northern Ireland have officially announced their squad to take on Italy and either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the crucial World Cup play-off campaign coming up at the end of March.
Italy will host Northern Ireland on March 26 in Bergamo for the World Cup play-off semi-final. The winner of that tie will go on to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away from home in the play-off final on March 31, which will be a one-legged decider for a spot at the final tournament.
The losing semi-finalists are due to play a friendly against each other on March 31 as well.
Northern Ireland head coach Michael O’Neill has named a bumper squad of 28 players for the upcoming play-off semi-final against Italy. The major absentee for the Green and White Army is Liverpool right-back Conor Bradley, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the 2025-26 season with a serious knee injury.
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 17: Conor Bradley of Northern Ireland runs with the ball during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg at Windsor Park on November 17, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Italy are the clear favourites heading into the semi-final given their home advantage and the clear gulf in quality between the two squads.
Italy are yet to announce their squad, but it is expected that all of the players included will play for top-flight sides, and the majority of them for clubs who have participated in the Champions League in 2025-26.
For comparison, the Northern Ireland squad has just four Premier League-affiliated players: Sunderland duo Daniel Ballard and Trai Hume, Crystal Palace’s Justin Devenny, who has five league starts to his name this season, and Liverpool youngster Kieran Morrsion, who has only ever played 71 minutes of senior football at club level; his two appearances coming in domestic cup competitions.
Otherwise, the Northern Ireland squad features 13 players from the EFL Championship, eight players from EFL League One, and one apiece from the Scottish Premiership, Scottish Championship and 2. Bundesliga.
Confirmed Northern Ireland squad to face Italy and either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina
BELFAST, NORTHERN IRELAND – NOVEMBER 17: Jamie Donley of Northern Ireland celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Northern Ireland and Luxembourg at Windsor Park on November 17, 2025 in Belfast, Northern Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Italy and Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori opens up about his scorpion block during last week’s Premier League match against Everton: ‘I didn’t think about it too much, I just reacted.’
It allowed the Gunners to keep a clean sheet and ultimately secure a massive 2-0 win thanks to two late goals.
Calafiori: scorpion block my ‘best’ clearance so far
During a press conference on Tuesday, Calafiori spoke about his defensive action, admitting that it was probably the best clearance in his career so far.
“I think it is the best so far. Also, I think it was so important for the result and the team. I’m really happy about this,” the Italian told reporters before a Champions League match against Bayer Leverkusen.
“I didn’t think about it too much. I just looked at the guy shooting and thought I had to take as much space as possible. I just reacted. As we say, we love to defend our house and our goal, and we try to do everything we can.
“It’s important to get a clean sheet. When we do, we usually win the game, so it’s really important to us.”
Arsenal are the Arsenal table leaders with a nine-point lead over Manchester City, but Pep Guardiola’s side have a game in hand.
“I think especially now, from March on to the next few months, it’s the best part of the season as well,” added Calafiori.
“You started so early in the pre-season, and then you work so hard to get to this point, to be in the competition and to be so close to winning. I think it’s a dream to be here.”
LONDON, ENGLAND – JANUARY 28: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal in action during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between Arsenal FC and FC Kairat Almaty at Arsenal Stadium on January 28, 2026 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Hewitt/Getty Images)
The Italian is in his second season in North London and is certainly enjoying the atmosphere at the club, on and off the pitch.
“I think we’re all friends. I love them, and I have a good relationship with them,” he said.
“We are friends, first of all. Obviously, then on the pitch you try to compete to get ahead of them, but we’re all friends, and they’re all really good players, I think.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Riccardo Calafiori of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“Obviously, we love to chat in the dressing room. We love to help each other, and when it’s time to go aggressive on the pitch or sometimes just be more chill, just to help your teammate or the team at the end. Obviously, sometimes we see each other off the pitch, and I think that’s important.”
The Italian defender also spoke about his defensive movements at Arsenal: “We have a structure, and we have to respect all the principles and things we’ve been trying to learn since the beginning of the season. At the same time, I’m really good at doing what I do, finding this kind of place. But it’s not freedom. If I’m in that position, it means another player covers mine. You need a good structure to defend, it’s not casual, it’s structure.”
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Our squad for our World Cup play-off is here 
