Italy’s failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 sent shockwaves through Italian football. Luciano Spalletti was brought in to rebuild from scratch, and his project is now reaching a critical juncture. The Azzurri have the talent and tactical intelligence to surprise in 2026.
A New Defensive Architecture
Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the foundation in goal, world-class at 27 and hungry for tournament success. In front of him, Spalletti has rebuilt the defense around Alessandro Bastoni, the Inter linchpin who reads the game with rare intelligence. Giovanni Di Lorenzo brings experience at right-back.
The defensive unit is compact, technically gifted, and capable of playing out from the back in Spalletti’s image.
The Midfield Engine
Marco Verratti (if healthy) is the heartbeat of the Italian midfield, his press resistance and ball retention unmatched in Serie A. Alongside him, options include Niccolò Barella and younger players emerging from Juventus, Inter, and other top clubs.
Spalletti’s system demands pressing intensity and possession control—a return to Italian football’s modern identity.
Attack: Youth and Hunger
The forward line will be younger than recent generations. Matteo Politano and Federico Chiesa (if available) provide wing options with dribbling and work rate. The center-forward slot is competitive, with emerging talent from Serie A vying for position.
Projected 26-Man Squad
Goalkeepers (3): Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alessio Cragno, Ivan Provedel
Defenders (8): Alessandro Bastoni, Leonardo Bonucci, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Matteo Darmian, Riccardo Calafiori, André Ranocchia, Giancarlo Giudice, Edoardo Goldaniga
Midfielders (8): Marco Verratti, Niccolò Barella, Jorginho, Matteo Pessina, Stefano Sensi, Nicolò Zaniolo, Davide Frattesi, Lorenzo Pellegrini
Forwards (7): Matteo Politano, Federico Chiesa, Gianluca Scamacca, Ciro Immobile, Patrick Cutrone, Andrea Belotti, Luca Pellegrini
Note: Squad projection subject to form and availability. Official squad announced May 2026.
Verdict: Italy’s Chances
Italy has the defensive solidity and midfield control to compete, but needs attacking consistency to go deep. Spalletti’s tactical system gives them identity, which is half the battle.
The key factor: whether young forwards can deliver goals when it matters most.
Full coverage at the World Cup 2026 hub and the Italy national team profile.