Italy Recall Six Players, Including Acerbi, For 2026 World Cup Qualifiers

Italy has recalled six players, including Francesco Acerbi, Riccardo Orsolini, Davide Zappacosta, and Matteo Gabbia, to their national team squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Norway and Moldova. Acerbi, 37, who has been instrumental for Inter Milan, especially in containing striker Erling Haaland in recent Champions League encounters, returns after last playing for Italy in late 2023. Orsolini, a key contributor to Bologna's Coppa Italia victory with 17 goals this season, and Zappacosta, returning for the first time since 2021, also rejoin the squad. Additionally, Hellas Verona defender Diego Coppola receives his first senior call-up, highlighting a blend of experience and youth in coach Luciano Spalletti's 27-player roster. Italy, placed in Group I with Norway, Moldova, Estonia, and Israel, will begin their qualifying campaign with an away match in Oslo followed by a home game in Reggio Emilia. The squad will integrate players involved in the Champions League Final starting June 2 ahead of the June 6 match.