Italy are entering a pivotal phase in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign. They’re preparing to face Estonia and Israel in October. After a mixed start under new coach Gennaro Gattuso, the Azzurri sit second in Group I with nine points, level with Israel but with a game in hand.
However, Norway are holding a narrow one-point lead and a superior goal difference. Hence, Italy’s margin for error remains thin. The Azzurri have not featured in a World Cup since 2014. So, qualification remains a priority for Gattuso’s men. Their upcoming matches are against Estonia in Tallinn on October 11 and Israel in Udine on October 14.
These matches will play a decisive role in determining whether Italy can top their group or are forced into the playoffs once again. Gattuso’s debut fixtures in September brought a commanding 5-0 win against Estonia. It was followed by a wild 5-4 triumph against Israel, reflecting both promise and fragility.
Despite the positive results, Gattuso acknowledged that the team lapsed in defense. After the Israel match win, he said (via FIGC): “We’re a crazy team because we are too fragile, we concede ridiculous goals too easily. But this is my problem, not theirs.” His task now is to build stability while maintaining attacking intent.
Here are the fixture for Italy men’s football team’s next few matches –
| Matches | Date | Time (ET) | Venue |
| Estonia vs Italy | Saturday, 11 October | 2:45 PM | Lillekula Stadium, Tallinn, Estonia |
| Italy vs Israel | Tuesday, 14 October | 2:45 PM | Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, Italy |
| Moldova vs Italy | Monday, 13 November | 3:45 PM | Zimbru Sradium, Chisinau, Moldova |
| Italy vs Norway | Thursday, 16 November | 3:45 PM | San Siro Stadium, Milan, Italy |
Gattuso’s 27-man squad includes several fresh faces and a few enforced changes. Fiorentina’s Hans Nicolussi Caviglia and Bologna’s Nicolo Cambiaghi have earned their first senior call-ups. Meanwhile Matteo Gabbia and Bryan Cristante return after lengthy absences.
Injuries have ruled out Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano. The duo have been replaced by Fiorentina forward Roberto Piccoli and Napoli’s Leonardo Spinazzola. Notably, the latter has earned his first national recall since September 2023.
Inter duo Alessandro Bastoni (€80m) and Nicolo Barella (€75m) headline the squad’s most valuable players. They are closely followed by Sandro Tonali (€60m). With the Azzurri aiming to reclaim their place among the world’s elite, October’s fixtures could define the next chapter in Italy’s World Cup journey.
Goalkeepers: Marco Carnesecchi, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Alex Meret, Guglielmo Vicario
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni, Riccardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiaso, Diego Coppola, Giovanni Di Lorenzo, Federico Dimarco, Matteo Gabbia, Gianluca Mancini, Destiny Udogie
Midfielders: Nicolo Barella, Bryan Cristante, Davide Frattesi, Manuel Locatelli, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia, Sandro Tonali
Strikers: Nicolo Cambiaghi, Francesco Pio Esposito, Moise Kean, Riccardo Orsolini, Giacomo Raspadori, Mateo Retegui, Roberto Piccoli
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