BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Gennaro Gattuso has finalized his Italy squad for the World Cup qualifier match against Israel tonight in Udine, making only a few changes from their recent victory over Estonia.
Due to Alessandro Bastoni’s suspension and Moise Kean’s injury, Gattuso had to remove just two players from the 25-man squad, as reported by TMW.
The most significant revision is in goal, where Alex Meret takes the place of Marco Carnesecchi as the third-choice keeper behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and Guglielmo Vicario. Additionally, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia has also been excluded from the matchday squad.
In contrast, Diego Coppola and Roberto Piccoli make their return to the lineup after missing the last match, both now available for selection from the bench.
Italy Squad vs Israel
Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Meret, Vicario
Defenders: Gabbia, Dimarco, Spinazzola, Udogie, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Coppola, Di Lorenzo, Mancini
Midfielders: Locatelli, Orsolini, Tonali, Cristante, Frattesi, Barella, Cambiaghi
Forwards: Retegui, Raspadori, Piccoli, Esposito
Italy currently ranks second in Group I with 12 points from five matches and is looking to edge closer to securing a World Cup playoff position with a win tonight at the Bluenergy Stadium (kick-off at 20:45 CET).