Scamacca, Bastoni, Tonali, Calafiori, Chiesa: Gattuso provides Italy injury updates | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso explains why Federico Chiesa returned to Liverpool and didn’t remain in Coverciano like other injured Italian players and reveals Riccardo Calafiori felt ‘a little discomfort’ during Arsenal’s loss against Manchester City on Sunday.

Italy World Cup play-off: latest injury updates

Italy are preparing for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland.

Gattuso held a press conference on Monday, before Italy’s first training session.

Gianluca Scamacca, Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini are injured, while Sandro Tonali and Calafiori are not fully fit.

Bastoni has missed the last two games with Inter; Scamacca was absent from Atalanta’s 1-0 win over Verona on Sunday; and Mancini was subbed off during Roma’s victory against Lecce.

“Scamacca has an adductor problem; we evaluate him day by day, same as Bastoni,” Gattuso said at a press conference attended by Football Italia.

“Tonali will train with a low workload today. Mancini has fatigue; no issues were seen from exams. Calafiori felt a little discomfort yesterday, but we hope he’ll be there.

LEEDS, ENGLAND – JANUARY 31: Riccardo Calafiori of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between Leeds United and Arsenal at Elland Road on January 31, 2026 in Leeds, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)

“Chiesa arrived yesterday. He had a few physical problems, and we decided it was useless for him to stay here.”

Contrary to his injured teammates, the Liverpool winger returned to his club on Monday morning, and Gattuso was asked to explain his decision.

“They are not all the same; the players’ heads are not the same,” the coach said.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

“When I heard that he had problems and doubts, I had to make a decision. He didn’t feel up for it, so he decided to return home, and I had to accept it. Rapports are important, besides a game. I don’t have great medical knowledge, but I’ve understood that one can’t insist much. I don’t push. When one wants to return home, it’s right to let him do it.”

Italy will play Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday. If they progress to the Final, they’ll visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.