REGGIO NELL’EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Italian players line up during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta’ del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell’Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
With Italy still searching for a new head coach to replace Luciano Spalletti, Football Italia writers have put together their ideal Azzurri XI, and we ask our readers to do the same!
Italy’s 2-0 win over Moldova marked the end of Spalletti’s reign on Monday, but Claudio Ranieri’s refusal to take on the CT role left the FIGC with little options on the table.
Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as the leading candidate for the role, and according to our transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the former midfielder has already held various talks with Italy’s Delegation Chief, Gigi Buffon.
While Italy fans wait for their next coach and hope to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Football Italia has picked the ideal Azzurri XI.
Football Italia picks the ideal Italy XI
Our writers have named their ideal Italy formation, selecting among all the eligible players, including those who are injured and those who haven’t played for La Nazionale for a long time.
Below are our ideal Italy XIs, but we also want to know from you.
Head to the comments section below and let us know which line-up you’d choose if you were the Italy coach.
Lorenzo Bettoni
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Cambiaso, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Ricci, Tonali; Orsolini, Kean, Chiesa.
Susy Campanale
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Orsolini, Barella, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Kean
OR
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco; Barella, Tonali, Frattesi; Orsolini, Kean, Zaccagni.
Peter Young
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Cambiaso, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Ricci, Tonali; Orsolini, Retegui, Chiesa.
Giancarlo Rinaldi
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Buongiorno, Di Marco; Tonali, Ricci, Barella; Orsolini, Kean, Zaccagni.
Stephen Kasiewicz
Italy XI (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Buongiorno, Bastoni; Cambiaso, Barella, Tonali, Frattesi, Dimarco; Raspadori, Retegui.
Wayne Girard
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Buongiorno, Mancini, Bastoni; Bellanova, Barella, Ricci, Tonali, Dimarco; Chiesa; Retegui.
