Italy, what’s next? Six to build on, possible returns and inevitable exits | OneFootball

Italy must once again rebuild after another World Cup play-off elimination, and Gazzetta names the players expected to retain their spots in the team, those who could return, and others who won’t play for the national team again.

Italy: six players to build on after World Cup disaster

Gennaro Gattuso’s future as the Italy national team coach is far from certain, even though FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has asked both the coach and Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon to remain in charge despite another dramatic elimination from the World Cup play-offs.

Gazzetta argues that regardless of Gattuso’s future, six players are expected to retain their spots in the team: Captain Gigio Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Moise Kean, Francesco Pio Esposito, Riccardo Calafiori and Sandro Tonali.

The pink paper even adds Gianluca Scamacca, 27, but the Atalanta striker has suffered numerous injuries in recent years and has scored only once in 22 appearances with the Azzurri.

Mateo Retegui was not in his best shape after months in the Saudi Pro League, and it’s no coincidence that he’s pushing to return to Serie A, reportedly holding talks with Milan and Juventus.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Francesco Pio Esposito shows his dejection of Italy during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

Napoli winger Matteo Politano started both play-off games, but is unlikely to play a key role in the future as he’ll turn 33 in August. The same goes for Leonardo Spinazzola and Bryan Cristante.

Gazzetta notes that despite their poor performances on the international level, it’s hard to imagine Italy’s short-term future without Inter stars Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco, even if they’ll all be over 30 when the next World Cup is played in 2030.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates with his teammates after scoring his team’s opening goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

The likes of Davide Bartesaghi, Michael Kayode and Cher Ndour are showing good developments at a club level. Francesco Camarda, 18, is one of the most interesting Italian prospects, but a shoulder injury halted his growth while on loan at Lecce this season.

The likes of Daniel Maldini, Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa, Nicolò Zaniolo, Matteo Gabbia, Samuele Ricci and Nicolò Fagioli are expected to be considered for future call-ups, depending on whether Gattuso remains in charge and his potential replacement.