Italy is looking to book its place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and head coach Luciano Spalletti has made bold moves ahead of two important qualifiers. In a notable decision, veteran defender Francesco Acerbi has been recalled to the national squad for the upcoming matches against Norway and Moldova. Joining him in the return are Davide Zappacosta and Riccardo Orsolini, both of whom bring form and experience at a time when the Azzurri need it most.
Acerbi Returns to Anchor Defense
At 37 years old, Francesco Acerbi is no stranger to pressure. The seasoned Inter Milan center-back, who last wore the Azzurri shirt in a goalless draw against Ukraine in November 2023, has enjoyed a resurgent season with his club, helping them reach the Champions League final.
Acerbi’s inclusion isn’t just sentimental—it’s tactical. With Italy set to face Norway’s Erling Haaland, Spalletti wants someone who’s been there and done it. Acerbi has already neutralized Haaland twice in recent European matchups, and that experience could prove crucial in Oslo.
“He’s the kind of defender you need when facing elite strikers. Calm, commanding, and experienced,” said one source close to the Italy camp.
Surprise Returns: Zappacosta & Orsolini
Davide Zappacosta, 32, last featured for Italy in 2021, but his form for Atalanta this season has been impossible to ignore. Agile, hardworking, and versatile down the right flank, his return gives Italy more depth in wide defensive positions, especially with questions around the fitness and form of regulars.
Equally eye-catching is the return of Riccardo Orsolini, the dynamic winger from Bologna. Having scored 17 goals and guided his team to Coppa Italia success, Orsolini has finally earned his way back into Spalletti’s plans after being cut from the final Euro 2024 squad. His pace and creativity could be the wild card Italy needs in attack.
Solid at the Back: Goalkeepers & Defense
Goalkeepers selected reflect continuity and reliability:
- Gianluigi Donnarumma (PSG)
- Alex Meret (Napoli)
- Guglielmo Vicario (Tottenham Hotspur)
Donnarumma remains Italy’s undisputed No. 1, but Vicario’s form in the Premier League has been noteworthy. His sharp reflexes and composure under pressure make him a strong backup, while Meret adds consistency.
In defense, alongside Acerbi, Italy’s backline features:
- Alessandro Bastoni (Inter Milan)
- Alessandro Buongiorno (Torino)
- Diego Coppola (Verona)
- Giovanni Di Lorenzo (Napoli)
- Federico Dimarco (Inter Milan)
- Matteo Gabbia (AC Milan)
- Federico Gatti (Juventus)
- Destiny Udogie (Tottenham)
- Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus)
- Davide Zappacosta (Atalanta)
The mix of youth (like Udogie and Coppola) with veterans (Acerbi, Di Lorenzo) offers flexibility in both a back three or four-man defense.
The Engine Room: Midfield Options
Italy’s midfield remains a strength, led by the ever-reliable Nicolò Barella. The Inter maestro brings energy, vision, and leadership.
Here’s the full midfield list:
- Nicolò Barella (Inter)
- Cesare Casadei (Chelsea)
- Davide Frattesi (Inter)
- Manuel Locatelli (Juventus)
- Samuele Ricci (Torino)
- Nicolò Rovella (Lazio)
- Sandro Tonali (Newcastle)
Frattesi and Tonali provide dynamism and physicality, while Casadei and Ricci reflect the growing trust in Italy’s youth. Locatelli and Rovella offer technical balance and control.
Attack: New Faces and Old Talents
Italy’s forward line may lack a superstar name, but it’s loaded with talent:
- Moise Kean (Juventus)
- Lorenzo Lucca (Udinese)
- Daniel Maldini (Monza)
- Riccardo Orsolini (Bologna)
- Giacomo Raspadori (Napoli)
- Mateo Retegui (Genoa)
Kean and Retegui provide physical presence and goal-scoring instinct, while Raspadori and Maldini offer finesse. Lorenzo Lucca, with his towering frame, can be a game-changer off the bench. The return of Orsolini adds flair and the ability to break defenses.
The Road Ahead
Italy’s campaign kicks off with a high-stakes clash in Oslo against Norway on June 6, followed by a home match against Moldova in Reggio Emilia on June 9. These fixtures will set the tone for a qualification journey the country is desperate to succeed in.
Group I Teams:
- Italy 🇮🇹
- Norway 🇳🇴
- Moldova 🇲🇩
- Israel 🇮🇱
- Estonia 🇪🇪
With only one automatic spot and a playoff up for grabs, every point matters. Having missed out on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the Azzurri are determined not to repeat history.
Spalletti’s Strategy: Experience Meets Youth
Coach Luciano Spalletti’s approach is becoming clearer: blend experience with emerging talent. Veterans like Acerbi, Zappacosta, and Donnarumma bring stability, while youngsters like Casadei, Rovella, and Lucca offer raw potential.
“We need leaders who’ve been on the world stage, but also fresh legs to carry the new vision forward,” Spalletti said in a recent interview.
This dual approach could be the key to unlocking a new golden era for Italian football.
🇮🇹 Final Squad at a Glance
Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Meret, Vicario
Defenders: Acerbi, Bastoni, Buongiorno, Cambiaso, Coppola, Di Lorenzo, Dimarco, Gabbia, Gatti, Udogie, Zappacosta
Midfielders: Barella, Casadei, Frattesi, Locatelli, Ricci, Rovella, Tonali
Forwards: Kean, Lucca, Maldini, Orsolini, Raspadori, Retegui
As Italy prepares for its most important qualifying matches in years, all eyes will be on this re-energized squad. Will the return of Acerbi and the firepower of Orsolini turn the tide? Can Spalletti guide this blend of veterans and newcomers back to Soccer’s biggest stage?
The answers begin June 6 in Oslo.