Italy’s national football team is gearing up for two crucial World Cup 2026 qualifying matches, but the road to Tallinn and Udine has already been marked by dramatic changes and fresh faces. With the Azzurri set to face Estonia on October 11 in Tallinn and Israel on October 14 at Udine’s iconic Stadio Friuli, coach Gennaro Gattuso has made significant adjustments to his 27-man squad, aiming to secure the precious six points needed to lock down second place and a playoff berth.
The most notable development came on October 3, when Lazio winger Mattia Zaccagni suffered an injury during training with his club. The setback, confirmed by official communications from the FIGC, ruled Zaccagni out of both qualifiers. As a result, Gattuso wasted no time in calling up Fiorentina forward Roberto Piccoli, handing the young striker his maiden opportunity with the senior national team. This move not only reshuffles the attacking options but also injects a new sense of excitement into the squad. According to FIGC, "the coach Gennaro Gattuso has decided to call up Fiorentina forward Roberto Piccoli, for his first senior national team appearance, in place of the injured Mattia Zaccagni."
Piccoli’s inclusion is just one of several fresh changes. The Italian squad, set to assemble at the Coverciano Technical Center on the evening of October 6, features other debutants as well. Fiorentina’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi have both been handed their first call-ups to the senior side. Their additions reflect Gattuso’s willingness to reward domestic form and expand his tactical options, especially as the stakes rise in the final rounds of qualifying.
But it’s not just about the newcomers. The squad also welcomes back two familiar faces: Matteo Gabbia, returning after an absence since October 2024, and Bryan Cristante, who last donned the blue shirt in June 2024. Their experience could prove vital as Italy seeks to navigate a tricky qualification path, especially with the pressure mounting to secure a playoff spot. Gattuso’s blend of youth and experience is clearly by design, aiming to strike a balance between fresh energy and seasoned composure.
The full list of 27 called-up players, as confirmed by multiple sources, is as follows: goalkeepers Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli), and Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham); defenders Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Brighton & Hove Albion), Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Matteo Gabbia (Milan), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), and Destiny Udogie (Tottenham); midfielders Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Hans Nicolussi Caviglia (Fiorentina), and Sandro Tonali (Newcastle); attackers Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna), Roberto Piccoli (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid), and Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah).
Gattuso’s tactical intentions seem clear: he’s doubling down on the attacking partnership of Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui. Their recent performances have been convincing, and the coach is banking on their chemistry to deliver goals when it matters most. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, "the Kean-Retegui striking duo has provided convincing answers, proving decisive in the latest outings." The plan? Nothing less than six points from the next two matches, which would all but guarantee Italy’s place in the playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
To make room for the new arrivals, Gattuso made tough decisions, leaving out Daniel Maldini, Fabbian, and Gatti. Their omissions underline the fierce competition for places and the coach’s commitment to fielding the strongest, most adaptable squad possible. With the group now finalized, the focus shifts to tactical preparations and team cohesion at Coverciano, where the players will gather and train in the days leading up to the international doubleheader.
There’s a palpable sense of urgency and anticipation in the air. Italy’s recent history in World Cup qualification has been anything but straightforward, and the memory of past heartbreaks still lingers. The team’s objective is crystal clear: finish the group stage strong, secure the vital points, and avoid any last-minute drama. With both matches scheduled for 20:45 and set to be broadcast live on Rai 1, fans across the nation will be glued to their screens, hoping for a return to the world’s biggest stage.
Estonia and Israel, the upcoming opponents, are no strangers to the Azzurri. Both sides were defeated by Italy in September during Gattuso’s first two matches as head coach. But nothing can be taken for granted in international football, especially with so much on the line. The team must remain focused and disciplined, aware that every mistake could prove costly. Gattuso, known for his passionate and demanding style, will surely impress upon his players the importance of these fixtures.
The inclusion of young talents like Cambiaghi, Piccoli, and Nicolussi Caviglia also signals a potential generational shift within the squad. Their performances in training and, possibly, on the pitch could shape not only Italy’s immediate fortunes but also the long-term direction of the national team. It’s a delicate balancing act for Gattuso, who must integrate new faces without sacrificing the team’s competitive edge.
Meanwhile, the return of experienced figures like Gabbia and Cristante offers stability and leadership, qualities that are often invaluable in high-pressure situations. Their familiarity with the demands of international football could provide a steadying influence, especially for the younger players experiencing the unique intensity of World Cup qualification for the first time.
As the squad assembles at Coverciano and the countdown to kick-off begins, all eyes are on Gattuso and his chosen 27. The coach’s decisions—both bold and pragmatic—have set the stage for a fascinating fortnight of football. Will the mix of youth and experience pay off? Can Kean and Retegui continue their hot streak up front? And will the new faces seize their moment in the spotlight?
Only time will tell, but one thing’s for certain: the Azzurri’s journey through World Cup qualifying is far from over. With two pivotal matches on the horizon and a nation’s hopes riding on their shoulders, Italy’s players and fans alike are bracing for a thrilling chapter in the storied history of Italian football.
