Italy and Northern Ireland meet in a high-stakes 2026 World Cup qualifying play-off semi-final in Bergamo on Thursday, with a place in the final at stake.
Italy’s path to this point has been turbulent. The Azzurri are again consigned to the play-offs for a third successive World Cup cycle after an inconsistent group campaign.
Their latest outing ended in a bruising 4-1 home loss to Norway, a result that intensified the pressure on Gennaro Gattuso and fuelled calls for a reset heading into this decisive March window.
Off the pitch, Gattuso is understood to have requested that the tie be moved away from San Siro to a more compact, intense venue in Bergamo, seeking a tighter, more unified atmosphere after the 4-1 defeat to Norway in Milan was met with anger from the home support.
Italy team news
Italy are also managing several fitness problems ahead of the semi-final. In defence, Napoli captain Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been ruled out, depriving Gattuso of one of his most reliable options at the back.
Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca is struggling with an adductor issue, while Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has already withdrawn from the squad. Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi has been drafted in as his replacement on the flank.
Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean and the in-form Francesco Pio Esposito are all competing for a place in the starting XI. Esposito in particular making a strong case after his recent scoring run.
In midfield, Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali will continue to be closely monitored before a final call is made on his involvement. He remains the likeliest candidate to start at the base of Italy’s engine room if passed fully fit.
There is at least some positive news at the back. Riccardo Calafiori has been cleared to feature after recovering from a minor knock picked up in Sunday’s EFL Cup final, easing concerns over Italy’s left-sided defensive options.
Italy predicted lineup
Possible Italy starting XI: Donnarumma; Calafiori, Mancini, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui
When will the match kick off?
The match will kick off at 7:45pm BST on Thursday, 26th March.
How to watch Italy vs Northern Ireland?
For viewers in the UK, the match will be broadcast live on BBC Three.
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