Which U-21 Stars Could Make Italy’s World Cup 2026 Squad? Multiple Youngsters Looking To Earn A Place Under Gennaro Gattuso

Italy are closing in on a place in the 2026 World Cup as qualification nears its end and a host of U-21 stars are hoping to earn a place in Gennaro Gattuso’s squad – but who are the most likely candidates?

Which U-21 Italian Players Could Make World Cup 2026 Squad?

Francesco Pio Esposito (Inter Milan)

Francesco Pio Esposito has cemented himself as a first-team regular for Inter Milan this season, after spending the last two-years out on loan to Spezia.

The 20-year-old has featured in five Serie A matches for Inter so far, scoring one goals and the youngster has featured in each of the Nerazzurri’s Champions League fixtures.

Many supporters expected the Italian to be loaned out again this season, especially after Inter brought in Ange-Yoan Bonny from Parma during the summer window.

However, after registering a goal and assist in Inter’s most recent UCL clash against Union Saint-Gilloise, Esposito is now a fan favorite at the San Siro.

His performances at club level have also caught the attention of Azzurri manager, Gennaro Gattuso, as Esposito picked up his first senior cap in a World Cup qualifier against Estonia in September 2025.

The Inter Milan striker has been called-up to Italy’s last two international camps and scored his first goal for the senior side in a 3-1 win over Estonia on October 11th.

Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup play-offs is a must for the Italian national team, as the European nation has not competed at the iconic tournament since 2014.

Esposito is the most likely U-21 candidate to make the World Cup squad after earning a regular spot in the side and can only cement his place further with more performances in 2026.

🔥 PIO ESPOSITO SCORES HIS FIRST UCL GOAL

His dream season continues:

• Italy debut & goal ✅
• Serie A debut & goal ✅
• UCL debut & goal ✅

What a rise 👏 pic.twitter.com/mfA2zgMnAX

— Italian Football TV (@IFTVofficial) October 21, 2025

Pietro Comuzzo (Fiorentina)

The Italian national team is renowned around the world for having a resolute defense, producing some of the greatest defenders in the sports’ history.

Paolo Maldini, Fabio Cannavaro and Giorgio Chiellini are just a handful of defenders that have carried the Italian reputation and Pietro Comuzzo is the latest star to work his way through the Azzurri youth set-up.

Comuzzo made his Serie A debut for Fiorentina in October 2023 at just 18-years and 7 months, after climbing the ladder at La Viola’s academy.

Since then, the 20-year-old has made 57 appearances for the Florence-based side and has gone on to earn caps for the Azzurri at U-17, U-18 and U-20 level.

The Fiorentina defender earned his first call-up to the senior side in November 2024 by Luciano Spalletti, but did not manage get on the pitch during the UEFA Nations League fixtures.

Comuzzo was then called up to Italy’s squad in March of this year, but missed out on the Azzurri’s latest international breaks due to a recurring ankle injury.

Gennaro Gattuso appears to have found his centre-back partnership in Riccardo Calafiori and Alessandro Bastoni, however, Comuzzo could be in contention after Giovanni Leoni’s recent ACL injury.

Michael Kayode (Brentford)

Moving on to the first player outside of Serie A now and we have Brentford defender, Michael Kayode, who has become one of the best full-backs in the Premier League.

Kayode joined the Bees on loan during the January transfer window and the 20-year-old’s performances were enough to convince Brentford to sign him for €17.5 million in July.

Overall Kayode has made 22 appearances for the Premier League side, featuring in every starting lineup in the 2025/26 season so far and putting in a standout performance against Manchester United.

The Italian has been linked with a move back to Fiorentina, as La Viola search for some reinforcements to turn around their poor league form and it could boost his chances of featuring in the 2026 World Cup.

Despite performing in one of the best leagues in world soccer, Kayode is yet to earn an international cap for the Azzurri senior side and was a part of Italy’s side at the U-21 European Championships in June 2025.

The full-back position is one that has not been cemented under Gennaro Gattuso, especially on the right-hand side and Kayode could be a surprise inclusion if his performances for Brentford continue.

Making great decisions 🧠

Michael Kayode created a Bees record 6️⃣ chances from open play on Monday night 🔓@Detertech_UK pic.twitter.com/5MTlROU1CI

— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) October 22, 2025

Francesco Camarda (AC Milan / Lecce)

Finally we have the youngest player on this list in Francesco Camarda, who made Serie A history in November 2023 after making his league debut at just 15 years and 260 days.

The Italian youngster is currently out on loan for the 2025/26 season, joining Lecce and playing his first season as a regular in Italy’s top division.

So far, Camarda has scored one goal in seven Serie A appearances, but only two of these have come as a starter and the 17-year-old is yet to earn a cap for the Azzurri senior side.

Camarda has become a regular for Italy’s youth sides, playing for the U-15, U-16, U-17, U-19 and U-21’s, scoring 29 goals in 45 appearances for the various youth teams.

Gattuso has commented on promoting players from the U-21 side and the Italy manager has a long relationship with AC Milan, meaning Camarda could be an option if his performance levels rise.