Italy Lose Some Pieces Ahead of the World Cup Playoffs | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso won’t have the whole pool at his disposal while picking players for the upcoming crucial World Cup play-offs, where Italy will face Northern Ireland and eventually Bosnia or Wales if they prevail in the first match.

According to Sky, the Azzurri received good news on Sandro Tonali, who bowed out due to a groin problem versus Barcelona. His problem is minor, and he has good chances of recovering in time.

The gaffer had pre-selected Marco Verratti, but he suffered a knee injury that required surgery. Mattia Zaccagni strained two thigh muscles due to a contusion in the recent Milan clash and will be sidelined for a month or so. Antonio Vergara was in line for his maiden call-up, but he’s nursing a plantar fascia strain that will keep him on the shelf for a while.

The Italy boss is hopeful Alessandro Bastoni and Moise Kean will make it out unscathed in their next fixtures after dealing with knocks. The Fiorentina star has been routinely hindered by ankle and tibia issues this year. Instead, Giacomo Raspadori returned from a thigh strain against Bayern Munich.

Verratti being unavailable and the uncertainty about Tonali improve Davide Frattesi and Niccolò Pisilli’s chances of making the squad. Matteo Politano has an edge over Federico Chiesa, who’s not playing a lot, Nicolò Zaniolo, and Domenico Berardi to round out the wing thanks to his versatility and familiarity with the group. Federico Bernadeschi, Riccardo Orsolini, and Daniel Maldini are competing for one or two spots in the same role as well. Instead, Giorgio Scalvini and Diego Coppola will complete the defense, and Francesco Pio Esposito and Gianluca Scamacca will add depth up front.