‘Operation play-off’ is proving to be a difficult task for Italy. Injuries to Verratti, Di Lorenzo, Leoni, Rovella and Zaccagni made it difficult for Gennaro Gattuso to draw up the list. Italy, however, have been dealt a fresh blow ahead of facing Northern Ireland in the first match – they would face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final – of the play-offs.
Federico Chiesa, who was returning to the list after (almost) two years of absence, is out through injury. In fact, the Liverpool winger has already left the Coverciano training camp.
“Federico Chiesa, whose condition was assessed on his arrival at the Federal Technical Centre, was declared unavailable for the next two matches and, in agreement with the club, left the national team training camp,” read a statement from the ‘Nazionale’.
His place will be taken by Nicolò Cambiaghi. The Bologna winger, who has four goals and six assists this season, has only played one game for Italy. He made his debut on 14 October 2025 in the victory against Israel (3-0), replacing Retegui in the 90th minute.
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