Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has named a 27-man Italy Squad for the crucial October international window, which sees the Azzurri face Estonia (October 11) and Israel (October 14) for the Italian Football National Team.
With the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup on the horizon, these fixtures represent a vital opportunity for Italy to consolidate momentum in the European qualification group. Fans will be watching closely as Gattuso balances experience and youth while trying to produce consistent results in a tightly contested group.
The list blends established internationals with several younger faces who have forced their way into contention this season. In goal, the pairing of Marco Carnesecchi and Gianluigi Donnarumma gives the coach two top options, while the outfield selection mixes seasoned campaigners with players who bring fresh energy and tactical flexibility.
Gattuso’s choices suggest an intent to build a resilient defensive base while offering creative outlets in midfield to feed the attack – a setup designed to cope with both compact teams and open, high-tempo opponents.
Tactically, expect Italy to remain compact without the ball and sharp on quick transitions: Gattuso favours intensity and organisation, and these qualifiers will test whether the squad can translate that approach into consistent results.
Estonia and Israel will not be straightforward assignments – both sides can be disciplined and dangerous on the counter – so set-piece vigilance and clinical finishing will be decisive. Scroll down for the full Italy Squad list, brief player notes, and expected starting XI predictions for each match.
Full Italy Squad for October 2025 World Cup Qualifiers
Table of Contents
The Italian Football Team Full Squad for October 2025 in the European World Cup Qualifiers –
Goalkeepers (4)
- Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta)
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City)
- Alex Meret (Napoli)
- Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham)
Defenders (9)
- Alessandro Bastoni (Inter)
- Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal)
- Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus)
- Diego Coppola (Brighton & Hove Albion)
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
- Federico Dimarco (Inter)
- Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan) – Returns after 1 year
- Gianluca Mancini (AS Roma)
- Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
Midfielders (6)
- Nicolò Barella (Inter)
- Bryan Cristante (AS Roma) – Returns after 1 year
- Davide Frattesi (Inter)
- Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)
- Hans Nicolussi Caviglia (Fiorentina)- First call-up
- Sandro Tonali (Newcastle United)
Forwards (8)
- Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna)- First call-up
- Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter)
- Moise Kean (Fiorentina)
- Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna)
- Matteo Politano (Napoli)
- Giacomo Raspadori (Atletico Madrid)
- Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah)
- Mattia Zaccagni (Lazio)
Key Squad Changes and Notable Absences
New Call-ups
- Hans Nicolussi Caviglia (Fiorentina): The 25-year-old midfielder receives his first senior call-up after progressing through Juventus youth ranks and representing Italy at various youth levels.
- Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna): The 24-year-old winger earns his debut call-up with an impressive record of 8 goals and 12 assists in 88 Serie A appearances.
Key Returns
- Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan): Returns to the national team for the first time since October 2024.
- Bryan Cristante (AS Roma): Back in the squad for the first time since June 2024, bringing his 43 international caps of experience.
Notable Absences
- Federico Chiesa (Liverpool): Despite speculation about his return, the winger remains absent from the squad. Gattuso and Chiesa had reportedly discussed his fitness, but he was ultimately not included.
- Francesco Acerbi (Inter): The veteran defender is not called up for these qualifiers.
Upcoming Fixtures and Tournament Situation for the Italy Squad
Match Schedule
Here is the European Qualifiers Match Schedule for the 2026 World Cup.
- Estonia vs Italy: October 11, 2025 – Lilleküla Stadium, Tallinn (8:45 PM CET)
- Italy vs Israel: October 14, 2025 – Stadio Friuli, Udine (8:45 PM CET)
Group I Standings
Italy currently sits second in Group I with 9 points, level with Israel but ahead on goal difference. However, they have a game in hand and trail group leaders Norway by 6 points.
| Position | Team | Points | Matches Played |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Norway | 15 | 5 |
| 2 | Italy | 9 | 4 |
| 3 | Israel | 9 | 5 |
| 4 | Estonia | 0 | 4 |
Gattuso’s Impact and Recent Form
Gennaro Gattuso took over as Italy manager in September 2025 following Luciano Spalletti’s departure. In his first two matches as coach, Italy has shown promising form:
- Italy 5-0 Estonia (September 2025)
- Israel 4-5 Italy (September 2025)
These results demonstrate the team’s attacking prowess under Gattuso’s guidance, with the squad scoring 10 goals in two matches.
Qualification Scenario
The Italy Squad must finish first in Group I to secure automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. If they finish second, they will enter the playoffs – a stage where they previously failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
The upcoming matches against Estonia and Israel are crucial for Italy’s World Cup hopes, as they look to avoid missing a third consecutive World Cup tournament.
With their current momentum and impressive form under Gattuso, the Azzurri are confident about clinching their spot in the expanded 48-team tournament in North America.
The Italian squad announcement reflects Gattuso’s commitment to both experience and youth, blending established international players like Barella, Bastoni, and Donnarumma with emerging talents like Cambiaghi and Nicolussi Caviglia, setting up Italy for both immediate qualification success and long-term development.
