Federico Chiesa Injury Blow Hits Italy National Team Training Camp Ahead of Northern Ireland Playoff
The Italy national team has suffered an immediate setback as preparations for the crucial World Cup 2026 qualifiers intensify.
Marco Ferraro
Updated on 23 March 2026
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has been forced to leave the Azzurri training camp at Coverciano after failing a fitness assessment upon arrival at the Federal Technical Centre.
In a swift decision, head coach Gennaro Gattuso has moved to strengthen his attacking options by calling up Nicolò Cambiaghi from Bologna.
This change comes just days before Italy’s high-stakes World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland, highlighting the intense pressure on the squad to secure qualification for the 2026 tournament.
The FIGC confirmed the news in an official press release: “Following an assessment of his physical condition upon arrival at the Federal Training Centre, Federico Chiesa has been ruled out of the next two matches and, in agreement with his club, has left the national team’s training camp. Bologna player Nicolò Cambiaghi has been called up to replace him.”
Chiesa, a key figure in Italy’s recent campaigns and a proven performer at club level with Liverpool, will now miss the upcoming fixtures.
The exact nature of the issue remains undisclosed, but the decision was made in full agreement with his Premier League club to protect the player’s long-term fitness.
Gennaro Gattuso’s Quick Thinking: Nicolò Cambiaghi Earns Surprise Italy Call-Up
Gennaro Gattuso has wasted no time in reshaping his forward line. By bringing in Nicolò Cambiaghi, the former Italy midfielder turned coach is injecting fresh energy and Serie A form into the squad.
Cambiaghi has impressed at Bologna this season with his pace, clinical finishing, and ability to link play – qualities that make him a natural fit for Gattuso’s tactical approach.
This call-up represents a major opportunity for the young striker to make his mark on the international stage at a pivotal moment in Italy’s World Cup 2026 campaign.
The timing could not be more significant. With the Azzurri gearing up for their first training session this afternoon, Gattuso’s squad is focused entirely on the play-off semi-final.
The change ensures Italy maintains attacking depth without disruption, keeping momentum ahead of what promises to be a tense encounter.
Why Cambiaghi’s Call-Up Strengthens Italy’s Attack for World Cup Dreams
Nicolò Cambiaghi’s arrival is more than just a squad number change – it signals Gattuso’s trust in current Serie A form.
Bologna’s attacking talent has been in excellent touch, offering mobility and goal threat that complements stars like Scamacca, Retegui, and Kean.
This Italy national team update keeps the focus firmly on the present while building for the future.
Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely to see how Cambiaghi integrates and whether the Azzurri can overcome Northern Ireland to keep their World Cup 2026 qualification hopes alive.
The next few days at Coverciano will be critical. With the full squad now settled, Gennaro Gattuso can concentrate on tactics, team spirit, and delivering the result that Italy desperately needs.
The Future of Federico Chiesa: Will He Return to Serie A?
Whenever an Italian star struggles abroad, the rumours of a return to Serie A begin to circulate.
Italian clubs are closely monitoring Chiesa’s situation, with Juventus reportedly keeping an eye on his availability should his stint at Liverpool fail to ignite.
The concern for both Liverpool and the Italian national team is whether Chiesa can ever truly return to the peak physical condition he enjoyed before his major ACL injury.
His current setbacks are not as severe, but they suggest a fragility that is worrying for a player in his mid-20s.
For now, the focus remains on his recovery at Anfield. If Chiesa can conquer his injury woes, he remains one of the most exciting talents in European football.
If not, the “Golden Boy” of Italian football may find himself looking for a way back to the familiar grounds of Italy sooner than expected.
Full Italy Squad Revealed for World Cup Play-Off Semi-Final vs Northern Ireland
Here is the complete Italy national team squad as selected by Gennaro Gattuso:
Goalkeepers: Elia Caprile (Cagliari), Marco Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Gianluigi Donnarumma (Manchester City), Alex Meret (Napoli).
Defenders: Alessandro Bastoni (Inter), Alessandro Buongiorno (Napoli), Riccardo Calafiori (Arsenal), Andrea Cambiaso (Juventus), Diego Coppola (Paris FC), Federico Dimarco (Inter), Federico Gatti (Juventus), Gianluca Mancini (Roma), Marco Palestra (Cagliari), Giorgio Scalvini (Atalanta), Leonardo Spinazzola (Napoli).
Midfielders: Nicolò Barella (Inter), Bryan Cristante (Roma), Davide Frattesi (Inter), Manuel Locatelli (Juventus), Niccolò Pisilli (Roma), Sandro Tonali (Newcastle).
Forwards: Nicolò Cambiaghi (Bologna), Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter), Moise Kean (Fiorentina), Matteo Politano (Napoli), Giacomo Raspadori (Atalanta), Mateo Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Gianluca Scamacca (Atalanta).
Italy vs Northern Ireland: Key Match Details and World Cup 2026 Qualification Path
The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup 2026 play-off semi-final on Thursday 26 March at 8.45pm at the Stadio di Bergamo (Gewiss Stadium).
The match will be broadcast live on Rai 1 across Italy, ensuring millions of fans can follow every moment.
Victory in this semi-final would set up a decisive final for a place at the 2026 World Cup.
With the tournament co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, qualification would represent a huge boost for Italian football following recent challenges.
Gattuso’s side knows the stakes are high. The training camp at Coverciano is the final preparation phase, and the quick replacement of Chiesa shows the coach’s determination to leave no stone unturned.
Marco Ferraro
Marco Ferro is an Italian sports journalist and lead writer for FootItalia, specializing in the intricate dynamics of Serie A and the Italian national team. Known for his tactical analysis and deep understanding of the peninsula's footballing culture, Ferro provides expert coverage of Italy's biggest clubs, from the tactical shifts at Juventus to the intense rivalries of the Derby d’Italia.
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