Gattuso’s Azzurri: New Faces and Old Guard Convene for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

As the crisp autumn air settles over Europe, the Italian National Football Team, the Azzurri, finds itself at a familiar crossroads. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has unveiled his 27-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel in October 2025, a selection that, as ever, has ignited passionate debate across the peninsula. With a blend of fresh talent earning their first senior call-ups and a few familiar faces making a comeback, Italy is gearing up for two pivotal encounters on their road to the global showpiece.

The Debutants: A Glimpse into the Future?

The headline news from Coverciano is undoubtedly the inclusion of two promising talents: Fiorentina midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna forward Nicolò Cambiaghi. For both, this marks their maiden call to the senior national squad, a testament to their performances at club level – and perhaps, a sign of Gattuso’s ongoing search for the perfect formula.

Nicolussi Caviglia, a central figure for Fiorentina, has been lauded for his technical ability and work rate, though some cynical observers might suggest his journey to the national team has involved more peaks and troughs than a Ligurian coastal road. Cambiaghi, meanwhile, brings a vibrant attacking flair from Bologna, offering a new dimension to Italy`s forward line. Whether they represent a genuine injection of new blood or merely new names to dissect on sports talk shows remains to be seen, but their inclusion certainly adds a layer of intrigue.

The Returnees: Stability or Scarcity?

Adding to the narrative of change are the returns of defender Matteo Gabbia from Milan and midfielder Bryan Cristante of Roma. Gabbia’s recall, after a hiatus since October 2024, is a nod to his consistency in a challenging defensive landscape. Cristante, last seen in Azzurri colours in June 2024, offers experience and a robust presence in midfield – characteristics that Gattuso clearly values, even if some corners of the fanbase might prefer a touch more finesse. These calls often spark the eternal question: are they genuine improvements to the squad, or simply reliable options in a talent pool perceived by some as shallower than a Roman fountain?

The Full Contingent: Who Made the Cut

The complete 27-man squad, assembled for the crucial double-header, showcases a mix of established international figures and players looking to solidify their place.

The Road Ahead: Pressure on the Azzurri

Italy`s journey to the next World Cup will continue with two vital qualification matches. First, the Azzurri will travel to Tallinn to face Estonia on Saturday, October 11th. This will be followed by a home game against Israel in Udine on Tuesday, October 14th. Both fixtures are critical. Under Gattuso, the Azzurri have been under constant scrutiny, a pressure cooker that Italian football fans know all too well. The selection for these matches reflects Gattuso’s strategic vision, a vision many are eager to see bear fruit – or, as some armchair tacticians suggest, to see dramatically re-evaluated.

“The level of Italian football… we`re calling up Nicolussi Caviglia and Cambiaghi! Perhaps it`s time to follow volleyball`s example?” a common sentiment found online, highlighting the exasperation and perhaps a touch of longing for past glories.

The stakes are high. While Gattuso navigates the delicate balance between experience and youthful exuberance, the nation holds its breath. Will these new and returning players provide the spark needed, or will the debates about who should have been called up continue to overshadow the action on the pitch? For now, all eyes are on Tallinn and Udine, where Italy hopes to take decisive steps towards the World Cup.