Italy Prepares for World Cup Play-off Semi-Final Against Northern Ireland: Predicted Starting XI and Injury Update

Italy is gearing up for a critical World Cup play-off semi-final encounter against Northern Ireland. The match is scheduled for Thursday at 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET) and will be hosted at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo. The victor of this pivotal clash will advance to face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on March 31.

Gattuso Navigates Injury Challenges for Key Match

Manager Gennaro Gattuso faces significant squad selection challenges as several key players are battling injuries. Federico Chiesa has already been ruled out and replaced by Nicolò Cambiaghi from Bologna. Doubts linger over the fitness of Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Sandro Tonali, and Gianluca Mancini. Additionally, Gianluca Scamacca is confirmed to be unavailable for the semi-final.

Despite the injury concerns, Gattuso is widely expected to set up his team in a 3-5-2 formation. Manchester City's Gianluigi Donnarumma is anticipated to start in goal and will likely wear the captain's armband. In defense, Federico Gatti is considered the most probable alternative if either Bastoni or Arsenal’s Calafiori cannot feature.

In midfield, Davide Frattesi stands as the primary alternative should Sandro Tonali not be fully fit. Matteo Politano is expected to secure a starting spot despite recent reports of a shin injury. Manuel Locatelli, Nicolò Barella, and Federico Dimarco are also strong contenders for places in the starting XI. Upfront, Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui are predicted to lead the attack. While Inter's young striker Francesco Pio Esposito has been in splendid form, it is not yet expected to be enough for him to earn a starting position in this crucial match.

Probable Italy Starting XI (3-5-2):

• Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
• Defenders: Calafiori, Mancini, Bastoni
• Midfielders: Politano, Locatelli, Tonali, Barella, Dimarco
• Forwards: Kean, Retegui