Italy squad announced for World Cup play-off final vs Bosnia-Herzegovina; Cambiaso returns, Scalvini excluded
Quick summary
Gennaro Gattuso has named Italy's squad for the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Andrea Cambiaso returns while Giorgio Scalvini is left out of the 23-player squad.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceGennaro Gattuso has named the Italy squad list for the World Cup play-off final against Bosnia and Herzegovina: Andrea Cambiaso returns, while Giorgio Scalvini is left out.
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Italy coach Gattuso has unveiled the Azzurri squad list for tonight’s World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Five players from the original 28-man squad had to be left out, and Gattuso has only made one change from the semi-final played against Northern Ireland last week.
Juventus full-back Cambiaso returns to the squad, while Atalanta centre-back Scalvini goes to the stands.
The other unavailable players for tonight’s match are Gianluca Scamacca (injured), Elia Caprile, Nicolò Cambiaghi and Diego Coppola.
Andrea Cambiaso plays for Italy against Moldova in a 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri) Gattuso won’t make any change to the XI that beat Northern Ireland 2-0 last week, starting Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui in attack.
The game will be played at the Bilino Polje Stadium in Zenica, and the winner will qualify for the World Cup, going into Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, issues instructions during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) World Cup play-off Final: Italy squad list for Bosnia and Herzegovina Goalkeepers : Donnarumma, Carnesecchi, Meret;
Defenders : Bastoni, Buongiorno, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Dimarco, Gatti, Mancini, Palestra, Spinazzola;
Midfielders : Barella, Cristante, Frattesi, Locatelli, Pisilli, Tonali;
Attackers : Esposito, Kean, Politano, Raspadori, Retegui.
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What happened
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso unveiled the Azzurri squad for the crucial World Cup play-off final against Bosnia-Herzegovina. Five players from the original 28-man squad were cut to reach the final 23. Andrea Cambiaso makes his return to the squad, while Giorgio Scalvini has been excluded. This represents only one change from the semi-final squad that played Northern Ireland, indicating squad stability heading into the decisive match.
Chance analysis
The squad selection shows Gattuso's confidence in the core group that defeated Northern Ireland, with minimal tactical adjustments. Cambiaso's return adds attacking depth on the flank, while Scalvini's exclusion suggests defensive concerns or preference for alternative center-back options. The minimal changes indicate Gattuso is prioritizing continuity and match fitness over wholesale rotation for the final.
Italy's attacking options are enhanced with Cambiaso's return, while Scalvini's absence may reduce defensive depth, requiring reliance on established center-back partnerships.
Italy maintains squad stability with only one change (Cambiaso in, Scalvini out), suggesting tactical consistency for the play-off final.