Italy: Gattuso plots October shake-up with Gabbia, Cristante, Chiesa | OneFootball

The Italian coach is considering three key additions for the decisive matches against Estonia and Israel. The race for the World Cup requires a more solid group and bold choices.

Italy, Gattuso prepares the mini revolution for October: Gabbia, Cristante, and Chiesa are the new faces for the qualifiers

The path to the World Cup is getting complicated. Haaland's Norway leads the group with 15 points against Italy's 9, and a huge goal difference (+21 versus +5). For the Italians, the road to direct qualification seems daunting: winning all matches might not be enough. The realistic goal is second place, which would secure access to the playoffs.

Gattuso: balance and concreteness

The coach isn't making calculations: the only focus is building a solid team. They start again from the 5-0 against Estonia and the thrilling 5-4 in Israel. The double striker formation has added offensive weight, Tonali remains the technical leader of the midfield, but more balance is needed.

In the October list, Buongiorno, Scamacca, and Scalvini will be missing, along with Leoni who is out for a year. Udogie returns instead. In midfield, the injuries of Rovella and Ricci's lack of consistency are significant.

Defense: Gabbia convinces Allegri and is a candidate

Matteo Gabbia, improving in Juventus' defense, is one of the most likely new additions. Gattuso sees him as a right central defender in a back four or a hybrid system. He could be an alternative to Gatti and Mancini, bringing freshness and reliability.

Midfield: Cristante as a tactical weapon

Bryan Cristante, significantly improving with Gasperini's Roma, is another option being considered. In the 4-1-3-2 tested against Israel, the Roma midfielder can alternate with Locatelli, protecting the defense and ensuring balance in the non-possession phase. His versatility makes him a valuable asset for Gattuso.

Attack: the Chiesa solution

Federico Chiesa is the name that excites fans the most. After difficult months and his absence in September, the Reds' winger finally seems ready. Gattuso contacted him personally and received the go-ahead: Chiesa can provide new offensive solutions, especially if pure wingers are used in the trident. The final decision will come after the Champions League, but the forward is in pole position for a return to the national team.

Probable call-ups by Gattuso for October

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Vicario, Meret, Carnesecchi. Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Cambiaso, Dimarco, Udogie, Bastoni, Calafiori, Gatti, Mancini, Gabbia (Bellanova). Midfielders: Locatelli, Barella, Tonali, Frattesi, Maldini, Fabbian, Cristante (Casadei). Forwards: Politano, Orsolini, Zaccagni, Kean, Raspadori, Retegui, Esposito, Lucca, Chiesa (Koleosho).

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.