Italia Irlanda Del Nord: 3-5-2 Revealed — Gattuso’s XI, Bench and Notable Omissions
The matchday build-up for italia irlanda del nord centers on a clear tactical choice and a compact squad list that leaves several familiar names out. For the Bergamo semifinal, the Italy team sheet shows a 3-5-2 structure with several recovery updates, a defined right-side selection and a roster of convocati that includes Sandro Tonali and Federico Chiesa while highlighting conspicuous absences.
Italia Irlanda Del Nord: Official lineups and squad notes
The official starting XI for Italy is set in a 3-5-2: Donnarumma in goal; Gianluca Mancini, Alessandro Bastoni and Riccardo Calafiori at the back; Matteo Politano, Nicolò Barella, Manuel Locatelli, Sandro Tonali and Federico Dimarco across midfield; Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui up front. The matchday list names Carnesecchi and Meret among the substitutes, with Palestra, Spinazzola, Buongiorno, Gatti, Scalvini, Pisilli, Cristante, Frattesi, Raspadori and Pio Esposito available on the bench. The official non-callups for the occasion include Scamacca, Cambiaso, Cambiaghi, Coppola and Caprile.
Squad-building notes published ahead of kickoff indicate Bastoni recovered to full training and is deployed as a starter. On the right flank, Politano prevailed in the battle for the starting role over Palestra. Multiple items in the squad list underline that Mancini, Calafiori and Tonali are fully available for selection.
What lies beneath Gattuso’s selections and immediate implications
The commitment to a 3-5-2 structure frames the matchplan and personnel choices for italia irlanda del nord: a back three with wingback support, two forwards tasked with pressing and finishing, and a midfield trio anchored by Locatelli and Tonali. Selecting Bastoni after recovery signals a desire for continuity at center-back, while Politano’s selection at right wingback indicates a preference for offensive width from that flank.
By listing Kean and Retegui as the striking pair, the matchday configuration emphasizes a forward partnership chosen for this specific tie. The presence of Tonali in the starting team both in the convocati pool and on the pitch removes questions about match fitness raised earlier. Meanwhile, the composition of the bench—featuring both established keepers and several attacking options—points to a tactical flexibility should the match require changes in approach.
Expert perspective and broader consequences
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso, identified as CT for the national side, framed the mental approach with a concise slogan: “Paura 
Diamo il 150%”. That line, placed alongside the final selections, frames the staff’s public stance on mentality heading into the tie. Northern Ireland’s side is named with P. Charles in goal; Hume, McNair and McConville composing the back three; and Price and Donley leading the forward line under Ct. O’Neill.
Operationally, the immediate consequence of these choices for italia irlanda del nord is a clearly defined starting template and a bench stocked with multi-role options. Tactical adjustments during the match are likely to rely on the already-assembled substitutes, including those listed as available from the bench. The squad lists and matchday ordering also highlight the players who will be left to watch from the stands or remain outside the 23, a factor that will shape selection debates in the hours after kickoff.
Looking beyond the ninety minutes, the selection and omissions will feed into questions about depth, player management and the manager’s readiness to pivot if the match narrative demands it. The mix of recovered players, settled starters and named substitutes offers a snapshot of a coaching staff balancing availability and match-specific requirements.
As kickoff approaches at 20: 45 ET in Bergamo, the tactical identity and personnel decisions are set: a 3-5-2, a recovered Bastoni, Politano on the right, Tonali named and a clear list of non-callups. The immediate challenge is to convert that configuration into the result that the squad and staff have outlined—how they execute it will determine whether these selections are judged prudent or controversial in the hours that follow. Will this chosen template be enough to secure progress and silence the questions around squad composition for italia irlanda del nord?
