Five Italy youngsters who should be included in Gattuso’s 2026 World Cup play-off squad | OneFootball

According to Football Italia, Gennaro Gattuso has less than a week to name his Italy squad for the World Cup play-offs, and five youngsters could come into contention for Northern Ireland on 26 March.

Italy host Northern Ireland in a one-legged semi-final in Bergamo on 26 March, with the winner away to Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on 31 March for a place at the finals.

Failure to win both would bring a third straight absence. The Azzurri have not reached the group stage since 2014 and have not won a World Cup knockout tie since 2006.

Marco Palestra, 21, the Cagliari right-back on loan from Atalanta, has impressed, playing in all 27 league games since arriving and being withdrawn before full-time only twice in his last 18.

Another 21-year-old, Michael Kayode, could also address the right flank. He is thriving at Brentford, who are seventh in the Premier League and pushing for Europe.

On the left, with Federico Dimarco and Destiny Udogie established, Milan’s Davide Bartesaghi is emerging as an appealing option for Gattuso.

Roma midfielder Niccolo Pisilli is now an anticipated call-up for March. Marco Verratti, 33, had been linked with a return after three years out, but a knee injury means he is not expected to be involved.

Inter forward Pio Esposito is expected to make the squad after call-ups in the first half of 2025-26. The 20-year-old has three goals from five caps, and some argue he should start if Gattuso fields two up front.

Source: Football Italia