Verratti poised for surprise Italy return after nearly three years

Marco Verratti appears set for a return to the Italy national team after direct talks rebuilt the bridge between him and the national set-up, with the midfielder confirming his availability following his move to Qatar and a long absence from international selection.

Gennaro Gattuso has signalled his willingness to reintegrate the veteran, prioritising experience as Italy prepare for the high-stakes World Cup play-offs. Verratti has been with Al-Arabi and Al-Duhail since leaving Paris Saint-Germain, and his omission from recent squads had led many to assume his international career was over.

Gattuso values Verratti's ability to dictate tempo and provide tactical flexibility in knockout football, and the coach, who shares a strong personal relationship with the midfielder, sees him as a potential key figure for the play-off against Northern Ireland on March 26 and, if needed, the tie with Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.

Italy

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