The Italy national football team, known worldwide as the Azzurri, is navigating one of the most challenging periods in its storied history. A four-time World Cup champion, the team is currently fighting to secure a place at the 2026 tournament, following a turbulent qualifying campaign that saw a change in leadership. The Azzurri’s current squad, recent results, historical context, and the road ahead all paint a picture of a team fighting to return to football’s biggest stage.
Who Are the Current Italy National Football Team Players?
The current squad is a blend of established stars and emerging talent, selected by head coach Gennaro Gattuso for the critical 2026 World Cup play-offs. Gattuso’s March 2026 selection focuses on players who featured heavily in the 2025 qualifying campaign.
Nickname
Azzurri
World Cup Titles
4 (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006)
Current Head Coach
Gennaro Gattuso
FIFA Ranking (2025)
Top 10
Key insights on the current squad:
- Italy is in a transition phase, blending experienced players like Gianluigi Donnarumma with younger prospects.
- The squad is built around a strong defensive core, a hallmark of Italian football.
- Mateo Retegui has emerged as a key goal-scorer, netting braces against Estonia and Israel in qualifying.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper, with 8 appearances in the qualifiers.
- Alessandro Bastoni provides stability in central defense and even scored in the 5-0 win over Estonia.
- The midfield relies on players like Manuel Locatelli for creativity and control.
- Manager Gattuso is tasked with instilling discipline and securing qualification.
| Position | Player | Club (as of 2025) | Key Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Gianluigi Donnarumma | Manchester City | 8 appearances in qualifiers, 17 saves |
| Goalkeeper | Alex Meret | Napoli | Experienced backup |
| Goalkeeper | Marco Carnesecchi | Atalanta | Rising talent |
| Defender | Alessandro Bastoni | Inter Milan | Scored vs. Estonia |
| Defender | Alessandro Buongiorno | Napoli | Key defensive option |
| Defender | Gianluca Mancini | Roma | 6 apps, 2 goals in qualifiers |
| Midfielder | Manuel Locatelli | Juventus | Central midfield presence |
| Forward | Mateo Retegui | Atalanta | Multiple goals in qualifying |
| Forward | Giacomo Raspadori | Napoli | Scored vs. Estonia |
| Forward | Moise Kean | Fiorentina | Scored vs. Estonia |
For a detailed look at the complete roster, the official FIGC site provides the most up-to-date squad lists.
What Are the Latest Italy National Football Team Results and Fixtures?
Italy’s path to the 2026 World Cup has been rocky. After finishing second in UEFA Group I behind Norway, the Azzurri must navigate the play-offs. Their 2025 qualifying campaign ended with a heavy 1-4 home defeat to Norway at the San Siro, a result that underscored the challenges facing the team.
2025 UEFA World Cup Qualifying Results (Group I)
- June 6, 2025: Norway 3-0 Italy (Loss)
- June 9, 2025: Italy 2-0 Moldova (Win)
- September 5, 2025: Italy 5-0 Estonia (Win) — Goals from Kean, Retegui (2), Raspadori, Bastoni
- September 8, 2025: Israel 4-5 Italy (Win)
- October 11, 2025: Estonia 1-3 Italy (Win)
- October 14, 2025: Italy 3-0 Israel (Win) — Goals from Retegui (2 pens.), Mancini
- November 13, 2025: Moldova 0-2 Italy (Win)
- November 16, 2025: Italy 1-4 Norway (Loss) — Goal from Esposito; Haaland scored twice
The 3-0 loss to Norway on June 6, 2025, was a critical turning point. It led to the dismissal of manager Luciano Spalletti and the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso, who was tasked with salvaging the qualifying campaign.
For the full schedule of upcoming fixtures, including the play-off details, consulting the official UEFA team page is recommended.
Why Is the Italy National Football Team Called the Azzurri?
The nickname “Azzurri” is derived from the Italian word “azzurro,” meaning blue. This color is not a modern marketing choice but is deeply rooted in Italian history.
The Royal Connection
The blue color was adopted from the House of Savoy, the royal dynasty that ruled Italy from its unification in 1861 until 1946. The team has worn blue since its early days, and the color has become an enduring symbol of national pride in football.
The 2025 Jersey
The current Italy national team jersey continues this tradition. While specific designs differ by year, the 2025 kit remains predominantly the iconic Azzurro blue, often paired with white shorts and blue socks. It is a direct link to the team’s heritage extending back to its first matches.
How Many World Cups Has Italy Won?
Italy is one of the most successful nations in World Cup history. The team has won four titles, placing it second only to Brazil in number of championships.
- 1934: Hosted and won the tournament.
- 1938: Successfully defended the title in France.
- 1982: Won under Enzo Bearzot in Spain.
- 2006: Won in Germany, defeating France in a penalty shootout.
However, the national team has faced a significant drought in recent years. After failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, the Azzurri are at risk of missing a third consecutive World Cup in 2026. This period represents a historic low for a nation with such a rich pedigree, a stark contrast to their triumphant 2021 UEFA Euro victory.
Where Does Italy Rank in International Football?
As of 2025, Italy maintains a position within the FIFA World Ranking’s top 10. This ranking, however, does not fully reflect the turbulence of their recent performances.
In their UEFA World Cup qualifying group (Group I), Italy finished second. This position forced them into the play-offs, as only the group winner—Norway—secured an automatic spot. The group table was sealed by Norway’s decisive victories over Italy, including the final 4-1 win in Milan. For a deeper look at other international sides, you can read about Chile vs Argentina National Team Lineups.
Who Is the Current Coach of the Italy National Team?
The current head coach of the Italy national football team is Gennaro Gattuso. He was appointed in June 2025 following the sacking of Luciano Spalletti.
Spalletti’s tenure began with promise but unravelled rapidly. According to reports, his tenure ended amid a “disastrous” qualifying start, culminating in the 3-0 defeat to Norway. Gattuso, a former World Cup-winning midfielder with Italy, was brought in to stabilize the team and attempt to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup. His task is widely regarded as a difficult one, as he inherits a squad under pressure to return to football’s biggest stage.
While Gattuso is the confirmed coach for the play-offs, the exact lineup for the 2026 World Cup squad remains subject to performance and fitness. The play-off path is precarious, and failure to qualify could lead to further managerial changes and a major squad overhaul.
Italy’s Journey Through Time
The trajectory of the Italy national team is marked by historic highs and challenging lows.
- 1910: Team was founded; first match played against France.
- 1934: Hosted and won the first of four World Cups.
- 1938: Successfully defended the World Cup title in France.
- 1982: Won the World Cup in Spain under Enzo Bearzot.
- 2006: Captured the fourth World Cup in Germany, their last title to date.
- 2021: Won UEFA Euro 2020, demonstrating the team’s resilience despite missing the 2018 World Cup.
- 2023: Luciano Spalletti was appointed head coach, beginning a new cycle.
Certainty vs. Uncertainty: The State of the Azzurri
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Italy has won 4 FIFA World Cups (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006). | The final squad selection for the 2026 World Cup (if they qualify) is not confirmed. |
| The team’s official nickname is the Azzurri. | Player transfers and roster changes before the 2026 tournament are subject to speculation. |
| Gennaro Gattuso is the current head coach. | Upcoming friendly matches and their venues are subject to change. |
| Italy missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. | The outcome of the 2026 play-off path is uncertain. |
The Importance of Context
Understanding Italy’s current situation requires looking beyond the recent results. The team missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, marking a historic low for the four-time champions. This failure is particularly striking given the team’s 2021 UEFA Euro victory, which showed the squad’s potential. The current rebuilding phase under Gattuso is an attempt to restore the defensive solidity and tactical discipline that have long been associated with Italian football.
Key Sources and Statements
For the most reliable and current information, these official and authoritative sources are essential.
“The FIGC official site provides official squad lists and news.”
— FIGC Official Site
“Gattuso inherits a team in a difficult position, tasked with an ‘almost impossible task’ of securing World Cup qualification.”
— Goal.com
What Does the Future Hold for Italy?
The immediate future of the Italy national football team hinges on the 2026 World Cup play-offs. The team must first overcome Northern Ireland before a potential final tie against the winner of Wales and Bosnia & Herzegovina. Success in these matches is the only route to the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. If they qualify, the focus will shift to preparations for a group that includes Canada and Qatar. For more on club rivalries, see Rangers F.C. vs Celtic F.C. – Head-to-Head Stats and Old Firm History.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many World Cups has Italy won?
Italy has won 4 World Cups: 1934, 1938, 1982, and 2006.
Why does Italy play in blue?
The blue color (Azzurro) originates from the royal House of Savoy, the color of the Italian monarchy.
Who is Italy’s all-time top scorer?
Luigi Riva is Italy’s all-time top scorer with 35 goals for the national team.
Who has the most caps for Italy?
Gianluigi Buffon holds the record for the most caps with 176 appearances.
Who is the current coach of Italy?
Gennaro Gattuso is the current head coach, appointed in June 2025.
When was the Italy national football team founded?
The team was founded in 1910 and played its first match against France that same year.
What is Italy’s home stadium?
Italy plays home matches at several stadiums, including the Stadio Olimpico in Rome and the San Siro in Milan.
Who is Italy’s best-known player?
While many are legendary, Gianluigi Buffon is often cited for his longevity and 176 caps.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.