Italy: Gattuso names 28-man play-off squad — Tonali in, Bernardeschi out

Rino Gattuso has named a 28-player Italy squad for the World Cup play-offs, announcing the selection on Friday 20 March. The Azzurri will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo on 26 March, with kick-off at 8.45 pm; if they progress they will travel to face the winner of Bosnia v Wales in the away final scheduled for Tuesday 31 March, time to be confirmed.

Tonali is included despite a muscle concern, while Federico Chiesa returns and Marco Palestra receives his first call-up. Several regulars are omitted, including Zaccagni, Orsolini, Bernardeschi, Ricci, Maldini and Pellegrini; Vicario and Zaniolo are also left out.

Gattuso has named Kean, Raspadori, Tonali and Bastoni despite them carrying minor injuries, and the manager looks likely to continue with a 3-5-2 setup, keeping a 4-4-2 as an alternative.

Italy, Bergamo

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