Italy, what’s next? Six to build on, possible returns and inevitable exits

Following yet another elimination from the World Cup play-offs, Italy faces a significant rebuilding phase. Gazzetta dello Sport has identified key players who are likely to remain central to the squad, potential returnees, and those whose international careers with the Azzurri may be over.

Italy's Future: Core Players After World Cup Disappointment

The managerial future of Gennaro Gattuso with the Italian national team remains uncertain, despite FIGC President Gabriele Gravina requesting that both Gattuso and Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon stay on following their latest dramatic exit from the World Cup play-offs.

Irrespective of Gattuso's eventual decision, Gazzetta suggests a core group of six players will likely form the backbone of the team: Captain Gianluigi Donnarumma, Marco Palestra, Moise Kean, Francesco Pio Esposito, Riccardo Calafiori, and Sandro Tonali.

Gazzetta also includes Gianluca Scamacca, 27, though the Atalanta forward's recent history of injuries and a single goal in 22 national team appearances raise questions.

Mateo Retegui, whose form suffered during his time in the Saudi Pro League, is reportedly eager to return to Serie A, with Milan and Juventus rumored to be in discussions for his transfer.

Napoli winger Matteo Politano started both play-off matches but, turning 33 in August, is not expected to be a long-term key figure. Similar considerations apply to Leonardo Spinazzola and Bryan Cristante due to their age.

Despite their recent struggles with the national team, Gazzetta posits that Inter's Nicolò Barella, Alessandro Bastoni, and Federico Dimarco remain indispensable for Italy's immediate future, even though they will all be past 30 by the 2030 World Cup.

Promising young talents like Davide Bartesaghi, Michael Kayode, and Cher Ndour are making significant progress at their respective clubs. Francesco Camarda, an 18-year-old widely considered a top Italian prospect, has unfortunately seen his development slowed by a shoulder injury during his loan spell at Lecce.

Daniel Maldini, Mattia Zaccagni, Federico Chiesa, Nicolò Zaniolo, Matteo Gabbia, Samuele Ricci, and Nicolò Fagioli are all players who could be called up in the future, with selections likely influenced by whether Gattuso retains his role or if a new coach takes the helm.