Italy embarked on a journey in the UEFA playoffs again to finally put their World Cup qualification horrors to bed and secure a ticket to the group stages in the competition for the first time since 2014. However, the Azzurri missed out on the automatic qualification to Norway this time who with a golden generation led by Erling Haaland defeated them 3-0 in their qualification opener in Oslo and then again in the final game, 4-1 at San Siro. Italy managed to win the rest of the games though to secure the second spot and enter the second round of qualification. The side led by Genaro Gattuso will be desperate to overturn those humiliating disappointments with a credible time in the playoffs to make it to the finals. 

But this is where Italy have failed in the past two instances, losing to Sweden to miss the finals for the first time since 1958 and then extending that unwanted record with a surprise defeat to North Macedonia in the previous World Cup qualification despite being the European champions at that time. The challenge is no less difficult this time with a tricky side in Northern Ireland to welcome in the playoff semifinal before the all-important final at the end of the month but they have to come up trumps whatsoever. Hence, Gattuso has called up a squad that has raised eyebrows with surprise names included and some big names missing out due to questionable form or injuries.

Italy squad for UEFA Playoffs

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Elia Caprile, Marco Carnesecchi, Alex Meret

Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Ricardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiasso, Alessandro Buongiorno, Diego Coppola, Federico Dimarco, Gianluca Mancini, Marco Palestra, Giorgio Salvini, Leonardo Spinazzola 

Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Davide Fratessi, Manuel Locatelli, Niccolo Pisilli, Sandro Tonali 

Wingers/Forwards: Federico Chiesa, Francesco Esposito, Moise Keane, Mateo Politano, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui 

Manager: Genaro Gattuso

The major news in Italy's squad announcement was the call up of Federico Chiesa who makes a return to the national setup after two long years. The winger had the world at his feet in the Azzurri's UEFA Euro 2020 triumph in 2021 but had a sharp decline in form with injuries being a key factor post tournament. It also affected his chances of being with the national team in addition to getting fewer minutes at club level. 

The 2024 Euros was the last time he featured in an Italian shirt as he was ignored totally in the UEFA qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. However, Chiesa is brought back again by Gattuso for the crucial playoffs despite knowing the 28 year old is nowhere close to the player he was and only rarely used as a substitute in Liverpool. This inclusion shows Italy's desperation to finally secure qualification to the World Cup by having all of their best options possible. 

The highlight omission from the squad is Tottenham's goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario who is experiencing a miserable individual campaign along with the team. Napoli's Alex Meret has been recalled in place of the London club's shot-stopper. Meanwhile, Cagliari's on-loan full-back from Atalanta, Marco Palestra earns his first senior call up after impressing at club level. Newcastle's star midfielder Sandro Tonali will keep his place in the squad despite suffering an injury scare in the Round of 16 second leg against Barcelona last week. 

However, injury problems are plaguing the squad as Atalanta striker Gianluca Scammaca, who was named in the 28 team squad, is now forced to pull out after suffering an adductor issue which ruled him out from the final league game before the international break. There could be further bad news as crucial center-back for the side, Alessandro Bastoni's participation in the playoffs could be in doubt due to a bruised fibula he suffered in the Milan derby two weeks ago. He is already ruled out for Inter's game against Fiorentina with Gattuso anxiously waiting on his fitness status as his absence will leave a gaping hole in defence. 

Italy Fixtures for UEFA Playoffs

Friday, 27 March 2026 

Italy vs Northern Ireland - Stadio Bergamo, Bergamo (01:15) 

Wednesday, 1 April 2026 

Wales/Bosnia vs Italy/Northern Ireland (00:15) 

Italy will face Northern Ireland in the semifinal of pathway A of the UEFA playoffs or the second round in Bergamo on 27th March 2026. This fixture is not too unfamiliar with the Azzurri as they faced the same opponents in the previous World Cup qualifiers. That time the result ended in a frustrating goalless draw which ultimately snapped Italy's direct qualification chances and their demise in the subsequent playoffs. However, they play the fixture at home this time where they will fancy themselves to move into the final, avoiding a North Macedonia scenario in the playoffs semifinal like last time. 

That being said, Gattuso's men are expected to face a severe challenge in the final where they will take on either Wales or Bosnia Herzegovina as much stronger opponents but most importantly, away from home. Both sides have shown attacking flair with Wales scoring a whopping 21 goals with seven coming in their final qualifying game against North Macedonia to take the playoffs spots. Bosnia have also gone strong with 17 strikes to their name but they have shown character in making life difficult for Austria, who secured direct qualification, in both games in their qualifying group. 

However, Italy will have only themselves to blame if they fail to make the World Cup for a third time in a row. It was the first time in their history that they missed two straight World Cups and now failing to get into the 2026 edition will only deepen the crisis, denting their legacy in the competition further. The Azzurri have ended outside of direct qualification spots for the third time in a row which is a crisis in itself but nothing will matter if they make it to the finals finally. For that, they have to end their playoff curse first otherwise the World Cup without Italy for 12 years will be unbelievable to say the least.