Bastoni ready to start for Italy in 2026 World Cup play-off

Alessandro Bastoni was tested out in the starting XI for Italy in tonight’s session, so is expected to start in the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland.

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It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo on Thursday at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

Whoever emerges as the winner from that fixture will then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on March 31.

Bastoni barrelling towards full fitness

Inter defender Bastoni had been the biggest doubt to feature, after missing the last couple of Inter games with a bruised ankle.

He took part in some of the training session today and Sky Sport Italia report he was tested in the starting XI during this evening’s run-out in Bergamo.

Unless the pain flares up again overnight, then Bastoni is widely expected to start in the 3-5-2 formation.

If he doesn’t play, then Napoli’s Alessandro Buongiorno and Juventus defender Federico Gatti are the options to step in.

This leaves only one big decision for Gennaro Gattuso to make, and that is more tactical than based purely on fitness levels.

That is on the right wing between 21-year-old Cagliari talent Marco Palestra and Napoli winger Matteo Politano.

Italy probable: Donnarumma; Mancini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Palestra, Tonali, Locatelli, Barella, Dimarco; Kean, Retegui