Italy has secured access to the playoffs, thus ensuring the possibility of returning to the 2026 World Cup after two editions of absence.
There will be two very important matches, with an opponent yet to be determined (HERE ARE ALL THE POSSIBILITIES), but presumably of a higher level than those faced in the group, with the exception of Norway.
From now to March, many players could return to the National Team setup and offer a valuable contribution to achieving a goal that has been missing for far too long.
🔵 Mattia Zaccagni
He is certainly one of the players whom Gattuso, if he had been at 100%, would have included in the squad for the recent matches. The injury, however, forced him to stay out. It’s unlikely the head coach will now change his system after the latest performances, but the qualities of the Lazio winger are indisputable and can always represent added value, especially as the game progresses.
🔵 Gianluca Scamacca
He’s also sidelined with an injury, but the situation differs from Zaccagni’s. With Kean and Retegui in this form, it’s unlikely the coach will alter the attack, but given his physical and technical attributes, the Atalanta striker remains the first choice.
🔵 Federico Chiesa
In the National Team setup for months now, Chiesa had lost ground partly due to limited playing time at Liverpool. However, in recent matches Arne Slot has shown him greater trust. And as we know: the more you play, the more chances you have to showcase yourself and shine again.
🔵 Federico Bernardeschi
Back in Italy after his MLS experience, Italiano is gradually restoring his confidence and minutes, allowing him to rediscover that leading role he has often played, both at club level and with the National Team. The road is still long, but the feeling is that the best may be yet to come, benefiting Italy as well.
🔵 Francesco Camarda
In recent weeks his talent has been emerging ever more clearly: he scored his first Serie A goal and a brace with the U21 National Team. In the league his playing time is steadily increasing, and the chance to be a protagonist and a driving force in Lecce could turn into a valuable weapon for the senior National Team as well. Perhaps we’re getting ahead of ourselves and imagining too much here, but in life as in football, impossible is nothing.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇮🇹 here.
📸 Claudio Villa – 2024 Getty Images
