Italy team news: Tonali and Bastoni make strides as Palestra tested for Politano | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso has been handed a timely boost with Italy’s injury bulletin largely positive before Tuesday’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, with only Gianluca Scamacca confirmed absent.

Gazzetta suggests the most encouraging developments concern Alessandro Bastoni and Sandro Tonali.

Bastoni, who injured his ankle in the Milan derby, has progressed quickly at Coverciano, moving from light jogging to sprints with changes of direction and striking the ball without discomfort. Those close to him believe the bench would not satisfy him, and a start remains possible depending on how he responds today and in tomorrow’s final session.

Tonali has shaken off the thigh issue sustained in Barcelona’s Champions League tie and trained with good intensity, a timely lift for Gattuso, who is counting on the Newcastle midfielder to lead alongside Nicolò Barella. Manuel Locatelli currently has the edge over Bryan Cristante for the third midfield berth.

Matteo Politano trained only the first half of Monday’s session due to a minor calf problem, with the Atalanta-owned Cagliari winger Marco Palestra tested in his place. Politano is expected to be passed fit, but Gattuso wants full assurances before settling on his line-up.

Riccardo Calafiori is fully recovered and set to start on the left of a back three, while Gianluca Mancini has also eased concerns over his calf.

Source: Football Italia