Possible Italy changes in Italy XI for World Cup play-off Final

Following their 2-0 victory against Northern Ireland, Gennaro Gattuso might introduce a few adjustments to the Italy starting lineup for the upcoming World Cup play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Italy Prepares for World Cup Play-off Final: Potential Squad Changes?

Italy is gearing up for the World Cup play-off Final, scheduled to be an away fixture in Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, March 31st. The Azzurri advanced to the final after a 2-0 win over Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday. Their opponents, Bosnia and Herzegovina, earned their spot by defeating Wales on penalties.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso has several days to prepare his squad, yet Italian media outlets are already speculating about potential alterations to the starting XI for the crucial final match.

Reports suggest that the fitness of Inter defender Alessandro Bastoni is a key concern. He returned to play against Northern Ireland after a two-week absence but was substituted around the 60-minute mark after receiving a yellow card. If Bastoni is deemed fit, he is expected to retain his place. However, if he's unavailable, Federico Gatti is considered the leading candidate, ahead of Alessandro Buongiorno and Giorgio Scalvini, to complete a three-man defense alongside Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori.

The attacking lineup presents another significant dilemma, particularly following Pio Esposito's promising performance off the bench and Mateo Retegui's notable missed opportunity against Northern Ireland.

Even Italian and Inter legend Beppe Bergomi publicly advocated last night for Pio Esposito, who has scored three goals in six international appearances, to be given a starting role in the Final.