Italy: Gattuso’s new faces chase World Cup dream | OneFootball

One single, non-negotiable mission: bring Italy back to the World Cup. For Gennaro Gattuso, the path to March is a long phase of observation, study, and evaluation, with no rigid hierarchies or untouchable names.

Italy, Gattuso’s project takes shape: from Bartesaghi to Zaniolo, new faces chasing the World Cup

The goal is to avoid another traumatic elimination and to build a competitive, solid National Team ready to first face Northern Ireland and then either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, reports Virgilio in the sports section.

The head coach is closely following every league, but it is above all Serie A that is providing encouraging signals. Several players, some already known and others emerging, are offering concrete answers.

Wings under control: certainties and new alternatives like Bartesaghi

Gattuso has made it clear several times that, at this stage, physical condition counts as much as—if not more than—the name on the shirt. On the left flank, there is no shortage of options: Calafiori, who can also play as a center-back or wide center-back, Dimarco, and Cambiaso guarantee reliability and experience.

What’s surprising, however, is the rise of Davide Bartesaghi, who at Milan has earned a starting spot, surpassing Estupiñán in the pecking order. Against Sassuolo, he also scored his first two goals in Serie A, showing personality and consistency. Allegri described him as “a player who can only get better,” and the same hope applies to Gattuso, who sees him as a potential extra asset for the decisive matches ahead.

Zaniolo finds light and ambition again: “The National Team is a dream”

Among the most closely watched names is undoubtedly Nicolò Zaniolo. The talent who dazzled at 19 seems to have regained his spark after seasons marred by serious injuries and environmental difficulties. With Udinese, against Napoli, he once again looked like the player capable of breaking games open with devastating runs and bursts.

After the match, Zaniolo did not hide his ambitions: “The National Team is a dream and a goal. I work every day to get back there.” The numbers show five goals this season, but the most significant factor is the serenity he has rediscovered. This is a variable Gattuso considers crucial when evaluating a possible reintegration.

The Chiesa dilemma: undisputed talent, playing time to assess

The discussion inevitably extends to Federico Chiesa. At Liverpool, the former Juventus player continues to be loved by the fans, who call for him to start from the first minute. Arne Slot gives him playing time in segments, but in the last match against Brighton, the Azzurri winger made an impact, coming close to providing a decisive assist several times.

Gattuso has been clear: “It doesn’t depend on me.” The coach reiterated that he would bring him back to the National Team immediately, but the issue remains his playing time. In March, certainties will be needed, because in a decisive two-legged tie, there’s no room for improvisation.

Atalanta connection and emerging youngsters: Palestra and Scamacca’s return

Among the most intriguing new faces is Palestra, born in 2005, who has been delivering increasingly convincing performances. On loan at Cagliari, but his future already seems set: Inter and Juventus have shown interest, with a valuation approaching 40 million. On the right, behind Di Lorenzo, Gattuso doesn’t have many alternatives: Palestra’s profile is being closely followed.

In attack, however, the competition is broader: Retegui, Kean, Pio Esposito. To these could be added Gianluca Scamacca, who has rediscovered goals and confidence under Palladino. An important recovery, not only technically but also emotionally, in view of a National Team that will need personality as well as quality.

Towards March: open observations and decisive choices

Gattuso continues to monitor everything and everyone. No door is closed, no spot is guaranteed. The message is clear: those who are in good form play, those who deliver on the pitch are rewarded. From Bartesaghi to Zaniolo, passing through Chiesa, Palestra, and Scamacca, the coach is building an Italy that wants to be a protagonist again.

March is approaching. And this time, Italy cannot afford to make mistakes.

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