Probable Italy line-up for Gattuso debut against Estonia | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso could make his Italy debut against Estonia with a 4-2-3-1 formation, including Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean, Sandro Tonali and Riccardo Calafiori.

It kicks off at the Stadio di Bergamo on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

This is the third game for the Azzurri in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, after the 3-0 defeat in Norway and 2-0 win over Moldova.

Those were both under Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked in June and replaced by Gattuso.

Italy changes expected under Gattuso

REGGIO NELL’EMILIA – JUNE 9: Sandro Tonali during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

The new coach has dropped few hints on what tactics he will adopt, other than suggesting he will abandon Spalletti’s three-man defence for four at the back.

Those are relatively locked down, along with Tonali and Nicolò Barella in midfield, but the attack is what remains to be seen.

Both Retegui and Kean can be used together in a 4-2-3-1, a 4-3-3, or a 4-4-2 formation.

The most likely is the 4-2-3-1, using Matteo Politano, Kean and Mattia Zaccagni fanning out behind Retegui.

Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca was forced to withdraw due to a knee issue, so will not be playing in his home stadium.

epa11976939 Germany’s forward Jonathan Burkardt (R) kicks the ball against Riccardo Calafiori during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinals first leg soccer match between Italy and Germany at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan, 20 March 2025. EPA-EFE/Daniel Dal Zennaro

Italy vs. Estonia probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Tonali; Politano, Kean, Zaccagni; Retegui