Gattuso cuts two from Italy squad ahead of key game against Israel

14.10.2025 10:41

Gennaro Gattuso has finalised his Italy squad for tonight’s World Cup qualifier against Israel in Udine, making only minor adjustments from the win over Estonia.

With Alessandro Bastoni suspended and Moise Kean ruled out through injury, Gattuso was left to trim just two names from the 25-man group in camp, as per TMW.

Marco Carnesecchi of Atalanta BC react during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD3 match between Atalanta BC and Celtic FC at Stadio di Bergamo on October 23, 2024 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The most notable change comes in goal, where Alex Meret replaces Marco Carnesecchi as third-choice behind Gianluigi Donnarumma and Guglielmo Vicario. Meanwhile, Hans Nicolussi Caviglia has also been left out of the matchday squad.

In contrast, Diego Coppola and Roberto Piccoli return to the list after sitting out the previous game, with both now available from the bench.

FLORENCE, ITALY – OCTOBER 2: Roberto Piccoli of ACF Fiorentina celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Conference League 2025/26 League Phase MD1 match between ACF Fiorentina and SK Sigma Olomouc at Stadio Artemio Franchi on October 2, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Italy squad vs Israel

Goalkeepers: Donnarumma, Meret, Vicario
Defenders: Gabbia, Dimarco, Spinazzola, Udogie, Calafiori, Cambiaso, Coppola, Di Lorenzo, Mancini
Midfielders: Locatelli, Orsolini, Tonali, Cristante, Frattesi, Barella, Cambiaghi
Forwards: Retegui, Raspadori, Piccoli, Esposito

Italy sit second in Group I with 12 points from five matches, looking to move closer to securing a World Cup playoff spot with victory tonight at the Bluenergy Stadium (kick-off 20:45 CET).