Italy head into the World Cup play-off with renewed optimism after years of attacking uncertainty. Underneath new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri have developed a number of attacking choices forward of their semi-final towards Northern Eire on March 26, 2026.
After lacking out on qualification in each 2018 and 2022, stress is mounting inside and out of doors the nation to lastly return to the World Cup. That anticipation has already sparked curiosity in as followers start to evaluate Italy’s probabilities.
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Gattuso has usually relied on a two-man assault, and the partnership between Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean has been one of the vital encouraging indicators since September.
Retegui, the 2024-25 Serie A prime scorer, has carried his kind into the brand new season, netting eight objectives in 12 appearances for Al-Qadsiah. His rising affect at worldwide stage has made more and more related for followers of the Azzurri.
Kean’s membership kind with Fiorentina has been inconsistent, however his influence for Italy has been speedy, scoring 4 objectives in three matches below Gattuso, an element mirrored in forward of the play-off.
FLORENCE, ITALY – DECEMBER 11: Moise Kean of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a aim in the course of the UEFA Convention League 2025/26 League Section MD5 match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Dynamo Kyiv at Stadio Artemio Franchi on December 11, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Pictures)
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Past the beginning pair, Gattuso has additional depth. Gianluca Scamacca has tailored effectively below Atalanta coach Raffaele Palladino, whereas 20-year-old Francesco Pio Esposito continues to achieve expertise with Inter and the nationwide crew.
With decisive fixtures approaching, some supporters are additionally exploring the as pleasure builds round Italy’s World Cup play-off marketing campaign.
Regardless of the improved attacking outlook, Gattuso insists mentality stays the important thing concern.
“The issue will not be tactical. Each system has professionals and cons,” he mentioned in November. “Proper now, we should work on our fragility. Once we do issues proper, we’re aggressive.”
Italy should have work to do, however for the primary time in years, they method a World Cup play-off with real perception.