Freshness, freedom and renewed energy. These are among the qualities that Gennaro Gattuso will be seeking as Italy prepare for the upcoming UEFA play-offs in pursuit of qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026™.
Back-to-back play-off eliminations – against Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022 – risk weighing heavily on the national team. Yet a new generation appears unfazed by the pressures of performing at the highest level. Several young players are enjoying outstanding seasons and could soon find themselves earning a call-up from the Italian head coach.
Pio Esposito does not fall into the category of hopeful newcomers, simply because, at just 20 years old, he is already a cornerstone of Italy’s attack. In five matches during qualifying, the Inter striker scored three goals, underlining his status as one of the brightest talents in Italian football today. At club level, he has also found the net three times in Serie A, once in the Coppa Italia and once in the UEFA Champions League this season.
Speaking to DAZN, Italy’s Head of Delegation, Gianluigi Buffon, said: “Pio Esposito will take us to the World Cup. He’s the only certainty we have. He will be even better than people expect.” The remark reflects the weight of expectation already placed on the young forward’s shoulders.
Flying on the flanks
While Esposito is already seen as pivotal to Gattuso’s plans, others are striving to earn the coach’s trust in the weeks ahead. Marco Palestra and Davide Bartesaghi, both 20, represent the future of Italy’s wide areas. Palestra operates on the right, Bartesaghi on the left.
With one goal and four assists for Cagliari in Serie A this season, Palestra has attracted interest from leading clubs in Italy and across Europe thanks to his attacking instincts and athleticism. A dynamic wing-back, regarded as one of the most promising in his role in the Italian top flight, he is perfectly suited for a system that aligns well with Gattuso’s tactical approach. “He is already a strong player and deserves a call-up to the national team,” said former Italy international Ciro Ferrara.
Pace, technical quality and tactical intelligence. These are traits Palestra shares with Bartesaghi, who has been entrusted by Massimiliano Allegri with responsibility for AC Milan’s left flank. With two goals already this season, the full-back/wing-back has showcased his attacking influence, even within a star-studded squad.
Attacking quality from midfield
Antonio Vergara and Niccolo Pisilli could also offer valuable options from midfield. Vergara recently enjoyed a dream week, scoring a spectacular goal against Chelsea in the final round of the UEFA Champions League league phase at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona, before netting his first Serie A goal against Fiorentina. Now an increasingly important figure under Antonio Conte, the 23-year-old attacking midfielder, who can also operate wide, has displayed the personality required for football’s biggest stages and is firmly in contention for a senior call-up.
Pisilli, meanwhile, has made significant strides this season under Gian Piero Gasperini. Already a key player for Italy’s U-21 side and called up to the senior squad in 2024, the midfielder has scored twice in the 2025/26 UEFA Europa League. Like Vergara, he offers genuine attacking threat thanks to his technical attributes and creativity.
Should Gattuso seek further reinforcements in attack, 23-year-old Lorenzo Colombo continues to grow in stature at Genoa under head coach Daniele De Rossi, a FIFA World Cup™ winner in 2006. Colombo has already scored four league goals in 2026, drawing attention for his qualities as a classic centre-forward.
With approximately one month remaining until the UEFA play-offs, Gattuso will soon be faced with pivotal decisions for the Azzurri – decisions that may well involve the exciting new resources Italy has to choose from.
