Gattuso Confirms Retegui as Lead Penalty Taker as Italy Face Decisive World Cup Play-off Against Northern Ireland

Gattuso names Retegui as lead penalty taker as Bastoni and Tonali return for Italy's crucial World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 26, 2026, 4:18 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from GOAL.com.

Injury Boost for Azzurri Defensive Structure

Italy received a significant fitness boost ahead of their critical clash in Bergamo with the news that Alessandro Bastoni has completed full group training. The Inter Milan defender had been under medical supervision since the start of the camp, but his successful participation in final tactical drills suggests he will anchor a three-man defense. According to internal reports, Bastoni is expected to be flanked by Gianluca Mancini and Riccardo Calafiori, providing a formidable barrier in front of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma as the squad faces their most significant challenge of the qualification cycle.

Midfield Engine Room Returns to Full Strength

Sandro Tonali has been cleared to start from the first minute despite recent concerns over a knock sustained in Champions League action against Barcelona. His inclusion allows Gattuso to deploy a robust five-man midfield featuring Manuel Locatelli and Nicolo Barella as the central creative and defensive anchors. This tactical setup is designed to seize immediate control of the tempo, with Federico Dimarco and Matteo Politano expected to provide the necessary width to stretch a disciplined Northern Irish defensive block that traditionally thrives on absorbing sustained pressure.

Retegui Appointed as Primary Penalty Specialist

In an effort to avoid the spot-kick inconsistencies that have plagued previous Italian qualification campaigns, Gattuso has publicly confirmed Mateo Retegui as the designated taker for any penalties awarded during regulation time. Should the match progress to a shootout, editorial analysis points to Moise Kean, Politano, Tonali, and Locatelli as the likely candidates to follow. Despite a recent high-profile miss in domestic league play against Sassuolo, Locatelli remains a trusted figure within the squad’s leadership group, reflecting Gattuso’s commitment to experience under extreme duress.