Alessandro Bastoni appears likely to start for Italy in Thursday’s World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland at Bergamo’s New Balance Arena after a training-day run-out suggested he has recovered from a bruised ankle; his availability secures Gennaro Gattuso’s preferred three-man defence and shifts the main selection headache to the right wing between Marco Palestra and Matteo Politano.
Bastoni poised to start in World Cup play-off vs Northern Ireland
Alessandro Bastoni was tested in the starting XI during Italy’s training run in Bergamo and is widely expected to face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off. His return from a bruised ankle stabilises Gennaro Gattuso’s back three and removes a major fitness doubt ahead of a one-off, high-stakes fixture.
Match details and path to March final
Kick-off: New Balance Arena, Bergamo, Thursday 19:45 GMT (20:45 CET). Winner advances to the March 31 final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a World Cup qualifying spot.
Fitness update: what the Bastoni development means
Bastoni missed recent club games with a bruised ankle but took part in Wednesday’s session and was used in a match-pace run-out. If the pain does not recur overnight, he is expected to start in Italy’s 3-5-2. His presence reduces short-term selection risk and allows Gattuso to deploy a more confident, ball-playing defensive unit.
Tactical implications for Italy’s 3-5-2
Bastoni’s qualities as a left-footed, ball-playing centre-back fit the 3-5-2 blueprint: smoother build-up from the back, cleaner progression into midfield and more control out of possession. Against Northern Ireland, Italy can afford to push wing-backs higher and rely on Bastoni’s range to cover transitional moments. His rhythm and passing potentially unlock tight pressing lines and reduce turnover risks in dangerous areas.
Right wing dilemma: Marco Palestra vs Matteo Politano
The lone selection question is the right-sided forward: 21-year-old Marco Palestra offers pace, directness and upside on the flank; Matteo Politano brings experience, crossing accuracy and game-management in tight matches. Choosing Palestra signals a more vertical, counter-driven approach; Politano suggests a patient, possession-oriented plan. Both options shape how Italy will exploit Northern Ireland’s defensive shape.
Backup options if Bastoni is sidelined
Should Bastoni’s ankle flare, the logical alternatives are Alessandro Buongiorno or Federico Gatti. Both are strong aerially and defensively robust, but neither matches Bastoni’s composure in progressive passing, which would nudge Italy toward a more conservative build-up.
Probable Italy XI
Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Palestra, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui.
What to watch and implications of the selection
Monitor Bastoni’s fitness up to kick-off — his availability alters Italy’s tempo and risk profile. If he plays, expect Italy to control possession phases through midfield and use wing-backs to stretch Northern Ireland. If he doesn’t, Italy may simplify possession and rely more on set-pieces and direct channels. The right-wing pick will tell you whether Gattuso prioritises pace on the break or tactical nuance in midfield interplay.
Conclusion
Bastoni’s likely return is the clearest boost for Italy ahead of a win-or-go-home tie.
The match will test Italy’s balance between attacking ambition and defensive solidity; Gattuso’s final tweaks — especially the right-wing decision — will reveal his mindset for the two most decisive games on the line for a World Cup place.
Football Italia
