After this weekend, the football world will be sent into another International break. The third of this season already as the race for world cup qualification is on in Europe, Italy have some crucial fixtures coming up if they want to qualify. The Azzurri will face Moldova away and then host Norway in Milan for the last game of the group stage.

If the Azzurri want to automatically qualify they will need to win both games. They will also need other results to go their way, as Norway need to lose or draw against Estonia. Gattuso could use the games to experiment before the second phase of qualifying if Norway win the first game.

Italy’s squad

Goalkeepers

Elia Caprile – Cagliari: Elia Caprile has been picked for the Azzurri for the first time ever, by Gattuso. This comes as he has started all ten games for Cagliari this season. His campaign to be picked was helped by Alex Meret breaking his foot, making him unavailable.

Gianluigi Donnarumma – Manchester City: Italy captain and general in between the sticks has been selected once again. Donnarumma has been the first name on the squad list since the 2021 euros, zero surprises here.

Guglielmo Vicario – Tottenham Hotspurs: Guglielmo Vicario has been selected for the Azzurri once again. He has quietly been in a good run of form for Spurs. He has had three clean sheets in his last five matches only conceding in two losses vs Aston Villa and Chelsea.

Marco Carnesecchi – Atalanta: Marco Carnesecchi is the fourth goalkeeper selected by Gattuso. He was also selected in the last squad but is still yet to play under Gattuso as Donnaruma has been the main stay.

Defence 

Alessandro Bastoni – Inter Milan: Alessandro Bastoni has been another main stay in Gattuso squad, and for all of the Italian teams in recent history. If he his fit he will definitely be picked for now and the near future.

Raoul Bellanova – Atalanta: Raoul Bellanova has been called up by Gennaro Gattuso after not making the cut last international break. This is a bit on unusual pick as he has only played a full 90 twice this month coming off the bench for the rest of the games.

Alessandro Buongiorno – Napoli: Alessandro Buongiorno was another name not featured in the last Italy squad as he was sidelined due to injury. Now however, he is back fully fit for Napoli. His form has been unquestionable as he makes this squad list.

Riccardo Calafiori – Arsenal: Riccardo Calafiori has been on top form so far for Arsenal this campaign. The young defender provides pace and versatility that Gattuso needs. It only makes sense for him to be picked for the side once again.

Andrea Cambiaso – Juventus: Andrea Cambiaso has been selected for back to back Azzurri squads. While his form for Juventus hasn’t been the greatest to start the campaign. Juventus now have new coach Luciano Spalletti and Cambiaso is slowly picking up form.

Giovanni Di Lorenzo – Napoli: Giovanni Di Lorenzo has been selected for the Azzurri squad once again. After a poor Euro 2024, he has managed to turn things around for club and country. Now he is earning national team selections with ease.

Federico Di Marco – Inter Milan: Federico Di Marco has been one of Inter key players this season. Matching his defensive skills with his attacking flair, makes him a must have for any Azzurri team, and this is no exception.

Mattia Gabbia – AC Milan: Mattia Gabbia has received back to back, call ups for the Azzurri, as AC Milan look rejuvenated. This is mainly due to Max Allegri taking over in Milan and implementing his defensive tactics on the side.

Gianluca Mancini – AS Roma: Gianluca Mancini has turned his form around this season. This is due to new coach Gian Piero Gasperini elevating AS Roma to become statistically the best defence in Serie A this season.

Midfield

Nicolo Barella – Inter Milan: Nicolo Barella has been a main stay for this new look Azzurri and is selected once again by Gattuso. He hasn’t had career best form but definitely deserves his selection for the squad.

Bryan Cristante – AS Roma: Bryan Cristante is another name to be called up by Gattuso once again. He has been in great form this season as he is adapting to Gian Piero Gasperini tactics and his new role well.

Davide Frattesi – Inter Milan: Davide Frattesi has been added to the Azzurri squad once again, as he is slowly picking up form this season. His goal scoring threat from midfield is something not a lot of other Italians provide, so his selection by Gattuso makes sense.

Manuel Locatelli – Juventus: Manuel Locatelli has been picked by Gattuso once again, as he captains Juventus through a difficult period. His appearance in squads has been more present ever since Gattuso took over from now Juventus coach Luciano Spalletti.

Samuele Ricci – AC Milan: Samuele Ricci has been the one change in midfield for Gattuso this break as Hans Nicolussi Caviglia drops out. Ever since he has returned from injury he has been in his usual good form.

Sandro Tonali – Newcastle: Sandro Tonali has been lighting up the world all season, as he returns to the Azzurri squad once again. Tonali recently took home man of the match in Newcastle Champions League win over Athletic Club.

Attack

Pio Esposito – Inter Milan: Pio Esposito has been showing how good he is to the world so far this season. He scored his first Serie A goal, made his Champions League debut and scored his first Champions League goal this season. Gattuso choice to pick him is a no brainer.

Moise Kean – Fiorentina: Moise Kean has been a main stay in the starting eleven for Gattuso team, partnering with Matteo Retegui. This duo has scored most of the Azzurri’s goals under Gattuso, but still his league form isn’t great still.

Riccardo Orsolini – Bologna: Riccardo Orsolini has been in top form so far this season, being the main source for Bologna’s goals. It would only make sense for Gennaro Gattuso to call him up.

Matteo Politano – Napoli: Matteo Politano has been average for Napoli this season, but he is one player who plays better for the national team so this isn’t Gattuso worst pick.

Giacomo Raspadori – Atletico Madrid: Giacomo Raspadori made a move to Atletico Madrid, but has failed to hit the ground running this season. However, he is another player like Politano who always play better for the national team.

Gianluca Scamacca – Atalanta: Gianluca Scamacca was left out of the last Azzurri squad, due to injury, now that he has recovered from injury he is back in the team. But i am skeptical of this pick as his form hasn’t been the best.

Mattia Zaccagni – Lazio: Mattia Zaccagni has been picked for the Azzurri again as he is a versatile player who can fill holes for Gattuso attack. This is the reason he is a main stay of Gattuso’s Azzurri squads.