Italy Vs Northern Ireland – Inter Milan Superstar Set To Start Despite Recent Injury Setback | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni is reportedly set to start in Thursday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff tie between Italy and Northern Ireland.

According to Sky Sport Italia via FCInter1908, the 26-year-old has shrugged off his knee injury.

Italy host Northern Ireland at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo tonight.

Furthermore, a place at the summer’s World Cup is on the line, as the Azzurri aim to return to the tournament for the first time since 2014.

However, the four-time world champions have failed to navigate their last two playoff ties.

Therefore, Gennaro Gattuso would be naive to underestimate Northern Ireland, whose last World Cup appearance came in 1986.

Inter Milan Star Alessandro Bastoni to Start in Italy vs Northern Ireland Clash

Alessandro Bastoni has been in the pits since suffering a knee injury in the Milan derby.

Indeed, the star center-back had a nasty collision with French midfielder Adrien Rabiot, forcing Cristian Chivu to leave him out of the squad in the last two league games.

However, the former Atalanta man seems to have regained full fitness in time to help Italy reach the playoff final.

In addition to Bastoni, two more Inter stalwarts are likely to start this evening.

Nicolo Barella and Federico Dimarco have almost guaranteed starting spots.