With two crucial 2026 FIFA WCQ’s on the horizon, supporters will be wondering when the Italy squad is announced for October’s internationals. The Azzurri have been crowned world champions on four occasions throughout their history. The last success came in 2006 when head coach Gennaro Gattuso was part of the roster. Now, Gattuso will be […]
With two crucial 2026 FIFA WCQ’s on the horizon, supporters will be wondering when the Italy squad is announced for October’s internationals.
The Azzurri have been crowned world champions on four occasions throughout their history. The last success came in 2006 when head coach Gennaro Gattuso was part of the roster.
Now, Gattuso will be tasked with picking his strongest players as the Italians aim to make their first finals appearance since the 2014 tournament in Brazil.
Italy missed out on the 2018 and 2022 additions. Both times falling short in the play-offs. Naturally, Gattuso will be keen to avoid that fate for a third successive time.
When Is The Italy Squad Announced For October’s WCQ’s?
The Italy squad for October’s WCQ’s will be announced on October 3. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso will be forced into a number of changes owing to Giovanni Leoni’s injury and a knee inflammation suffered by Gianluca Scamacca.
Napoli defender Alessandro Buongiorno is also unavailable for selection. The 26-year-old picked up a thigh strain in the recent 3-2 win over Pisa.
Federico Chiesa’s resurgence this season means he is a strong contender to be included. Elsewhere, the usual suspects such as Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui are dead certs.
Who Is Italy Playing In October?
Italy will be taking on Estonia and Israel in October’s internationals. The double-header is a repeat of September’s games whereby the Azzurri collected maximum points.
The first match against the Estonians will take place at the Lilleküla Stadium in Tallinn on October 11. Three days later, Gennaro Gattuso’s side will play the Israeli’s on home soil.
Both fixtures will kick-off at 2:45pm ET. Gattuso will opt for his strongest XI in both games as it’s vital the Azzurri boss keeps the pressure on Norway at the top of Group I.
What Do Italy Need To Qualify For The World Cup?
In theory, Italy needs a minor miracle to knock Norway off their perch. The Scandinavians have won five out of five which included a 3-0 win over the Azzurri in Oslo.
Last month, Erling Haaland scored five times in an 11-1 rout against Moldova. That means the Norwegians have a much vaster goal difference compared to the Azzurri.
Therefore, if the Italians win their game in hand. They’ll be three points off top spot. They would need Norway to slip up in at least two of their remaining three games whilst securing maximum points to ensure automatic qualification.
However, it looks likely that Gennaro Gattuso’s side will have to settle for the play-offs once again.
