Italy National Team Training for 2026 World Cup
Gattuso Names Italy Squad for Estonia and Israel Matches
Table of Contents
On October 3, 2024, Italy’s national team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, announced the roster for upcoming matches against Estonia on Saturday, October 11, and Israel on Tuesday, October 14 in Udine.The selections signal a blend of experience and opportunity as Italy prepares for future competitions, including qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
New Faces in the Azzurri
Two players will experience their first call-ups to the Italian national team: Fiorentina midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna striker Nicolò Cambiaghi. This inclusion demonstrates Gattuso’s willingness to integrate emerging talent into the squad and assess potential options ahead of crucial qualifying matches.
Experienced Players Return
The squad also welcomes back familiar faces. Milan midfielder Tommaso Pobega (referred to as “Cage” in some reports) and Roma’s Bryan Cristante have been recalled to the national team. Cristante hadn’t featured for Italy since June 2024, while pobega’s last appearance was in october 2024, making their return a boost to the team’s experience and depth.
Looking Ahead to 2026
These matches against Estonia and Israel are vital preparation for Italy as they navigate the qualifying stages for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.Fans are already getting a first look at the official ball for the 2026 World Cup, adding to the anticipation for the tournament.
Full Squad List
| Position | Player | Club |
|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Defender | Giovanni Di Lorenzo | Napoli |
| Midfielder | Nicolò Barella | Inter Milan |
| Forward | Ciro Immobile | Lazio |
| Midfielder | Hans Nicolussi Caviglia | Fiorentina |
| Forward | Nicolò Cambiaghi | Bologna |
| Midfielder | tommaso Pobega | Milan |
| Midfielder | Bryan Cristante | Roma |
We have a challenging schedule ahead, but I am confident in the quality and commitment of the players selected. These matches are crucial for our preparation and will allow us to assess our progress.