Jorginho left out as Italy name World Cup play-off squad | OneFootball

According to Coluna Do Fla, Italy named their squad for the 2026 World Cup play-offs on Friday 20 March, with coach Gattuso omitting Flamengo midfielder Jorginho.

The Italo-Brazilian will not face Northern Ireland on 26 March in the European play-offs.

He remains available to Leonardo Jardim during the international window, reducing the risk of him missing Bragantino. Flamengo v Bragantino is scheduled for one April, a date that could change. Had he been called, he would have faced the physical load of the tie and travel from Italy to report back in time.

Goalkeepers Caprile, Carnesecchi, Donnarumma, Meret. Defenders Bastoni, Buongiorno, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Coppola, Dimarco, Gatti, Mancini, Palestra, Scalvini, Spinazzola. Midfielders Barella, Cristante, Frattesi, Locatelli, Pisilli, Tonali. Forwards Chiesa, F. P. Esposito, Kean, Politano, Raspadori, Retegui, Scamacca.

Although included on a provisional list, his last spell with the Azzurra came in 2024, when the side were set to play the Nations League.

Italy last played at a World Cup in 2014, so the Flamengo midfielder has yet to feature at the tournament. For him to do so, Italy must overcome Northern Ireland and then select him in the final squad. Defeat would leave the Europeans 16 years without a World Cup appearance.

At Flamengo, the Brazilian trio Alex Sandro, Léo Pereira and Danilo are currently the only call-ups for this window. Uruguay are expected to summon Arrascaeta, De La Cruz and Guillermo Varela.

Source: Coluna Do Fla