Gattuso evaluates Verratti’s call-up for Italy’s 2026 World Cup playoff
Gennaro Gattuso, coach of the Italian national team, evaluates the call-up of midfielder
The coach, accompanied by general manager Gianluigi Buffon, traveled to Catar last Thursday to watch the player’s departure for Al-Duhail. The visit signals interest in counting on the 33-year-old athlete’s experience in the decisive clashes scheduled for March.
Itália will face Irlanda from Norte in a single match on March 26, at Bérgamo, qualifying for a place in the final of the European playoffs.
Visit to Catar reinforces interest in experience
Gattuso and Buffon watched the game between Al-Duhail and Al-Wakrah, which ended in a 2-0 victory for Verratti’s team. The coach demonstrated his conviction that the midfielder can contribute significantly with his technical quality in the knockout duels.
The direct observation occurred at a crucial moment for the preparation of the Azzurra, which seeks to guarantee presence in the Mundial expanded to 48 teams. The Italian delegation maintained contact with the player after the final whistle to discuss future possibilities.
Al-Duhail occupies prominent positions in the Qatari championship, and Verratti has maintained regularity on the field since his transfer in 2023. Sua adaptation to local football has been positive, with consistent performances in midfield.
Itália’s path in the European playoffs
The Italian team will compete in the semifinals of the playoffs against Irlanda of Norte in a single game. The clash is scheduled for Estádio Gewiss, in Bérgamo, a place where Azzurra has never suffered defeat in official matches.
If they advance, the team will face the winner of the duel between País of Gales and Bósnia and Herzegovina in the final, scheduled for a few days later. Apenas the winner of this bracket will guarantee a place in Copa of Mundo in 2026, held in Canadá, Estados Unidos and México.
The European qualifiers feature 16 teams divided into four playoff paths. Itália is part of one of the most balanced groups, requiring maximum concentration in the two possible games.
- Semifinal: Itália x Irlanda of Norte – March 26, 2026
- Possible ending: Vencedor against winner of País of Gales x Bósnia
- Format: Jogos singles with extra time and penalties if necessary
- Total European places: 16 direct plus four via playoffs
Verratti’s trajectory in the Italian national team
Marco
His recent absence was due to previous technical decisions, but the player never closed the door on a return. Atualmente at Al-Duhail, he maintains a high competitive level, with precise passes and vision of the game that characterize his career.
Verratti started professionally at Pescara, the club that revealed him to European football. Sua transfer to Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 marked the beginning of a victorious decade at França, with multiple national titles.
In Catar, he adapts his style to a championship with a different rhythm, prioritizing ball control and distribution.
Gattuso seeks midfield reinforcements
Coach Gennaro Gattuso took over the Italian team with the main mission of classifying the team for the 2026 Copa. Ele identifies an area in midfield that can gain with more experience in knockout games.
Verratti represents a consolidated option, capable of dictating pace and protecting the defense with interceptions. The possible call-up would be in line with the strategy of mixing youth and maturity in the squad.
Azzurra has names like Nicolò Barella and Jorginho in the sector, but is looking for depth for high-pressure clashes. The integration of Verratti could offer important tactical variations.
Context of the European qualifiers
The qualifiers for Copa from Mundo in 2026 to Europa involved 54 teams competing for 16 places. The playoffs bring together teams that did not qualify directly, including traditional powers such as Itália.
The draw defined specific keys, placing Azzurra on an accessible path, but with no room for error. Treinadores prioritize on-site observations of players acting outside of Europa.
- Direct groups classified: 12 bracket winners
- Playoffs: Quatro paths with semi-finals and finals
- Key dates: Semifinais on March 26th, finals on March 31st
- Tiebreaker criteria: Prorrogação and penalty kicks
Recent performance of Verratti in the Al-Duhail
Verratti has played regularly for Al-Duhail since his arrival at the Qatari club. Ele participates in local and continental competitions, maintaining high minutes on the field.
His contributions include occasional assists and goals, demonstrating his continued fitness at 33 years of age. The Catar championship allows for a rhythm that favors its ball possession characteristics.
The player expressed satisfaction with life in the country, but remains attentive to opportunities in the national team. Gattuso’s visit reinforces that his football is still valued at an international level.
Italian preparation for March
The Italian team will concentrate its efforts in the coming months to arrive prepared for the playoffs. Gattuso plans balanced selections, considering athletes from different championships.
The inclusion of Verratti will depend on final evaluations, but the observation in Catar indicates priority. The team works tactically to face direct and compact opponents.
Bergamo was chosen as the venue due to its favorable history and support from local fans. The FIGC confirmed the location in order to maximize chances of classification.
