Italy coach Gattuso to meet with Napoli stars: Vergara set for first call-up | OneFootball

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is set to travel to Naples for a dinner meeting with several Napoli players expected to be included in the upcoming national team squad.

According to reports from Nicolo Schira, the Azzurri boss will meet members of the Partenopei contingent ahead of the decisive play-off fixtures, with Antonio Vergara poised to receive his first senior call-up.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on 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)

The youngster has been in impressive form in recent weeks and is now expected to join Alessandro Buongiorno, Alex Meret and Matteo Politano in the Italy squad.

Gattuso to meet Napoli players as Vergara anticipates first call-up

Vergara’s inclusion would mark a significant milestone in his rapid rise this season, as the youngster continues to establish himself as an important figure at club level.

Vergara earned his opportunity to make an impression at the Maradona after a series of serious injuries to the Napoli squad.

NAPLES, ITALY – JANUARY 28: Antonio Vergara of SSC Napoli celebrates scoring his team’s first goal during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD8 match between SSC Napoli and Chelsea FC at Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on January 28, 2026 in Naples, Italy. (Photo by Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images)

However, since his big break, he has done nothing but impress – and now is set to earn a maiden call-up to the national team.

Gattuso’s visit underlines the growing importance of Napoli’s core within the national team setup, as Italy prepare for crucial matches on the road to major tournament qualification.