Reggio Nelluemilia, Italy – June 9: Italian players line up in the FIFA 2026 qualifying round between Italy and Moldova at Mapay Stadium, Italy on June 9, 2025. (Photo: Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)
As Italy is still looking for a new head coach to replace Luciano Spalletti, the Italian football writer has put together the ideal Azuri XI. Ask readers to do the same!
Italy’s 2-0 victory over Moldova marked the end of Sparetti’s reign on Monday, but Claudio Lanieri, who refused to take on the role of CT, had few options on the table.
Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as a major candidate for the role, and according to transfer expert Alfredo Pedullà, the former midfielder has already held various consultations with Italian delegation chief Gigi Buffon.
Italian fans are hoping to wait for their next coach and compete in the 2026 World Cup, but Football Italy has chosen the ideal Azuri XI.
Football Italy chooses the ideal Italian XI
Our writers have named their ideal Italian formation and were selected from all eligible players, including injured and those who have not played for a long time at Lanagioneer.
Below is our ideal Italian XI, but we would also like to know from you.
Visit the comments section below and let us know what lineup you’ll choose if you’re an Italian coach or not.
Lorenzo Betoni
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Cambiaso, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barrera, Rich, Tonari; Orsolini, Keene, Chiesa.
Susie Campanale
Italy (3-5-2): Donnarumma; Scalvini, Bastoni, Calafiori; Orsolini, Barrera, Tonari, Fratesi, DiMarco. Russpadore, Keen
or
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, DiMarco. Barrera, Tonari, Frateshi. Orsolini, Keene, Zaccagni.
Peter Young
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Cambiaso, Buongiorno, Bastoni, Calafiori; Barella, Rich, Tonari; Orsolini, Letegi, Chiesa.
Giancarlo Rinaldi
Italy (4-3-3): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Buongiorno, Di Marco. Tonari, Rich, Barrera. Orsolini, Keene, Zaccagni.
Stephen Kassivic
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; Veranova, Barrera, Rich, Tonari, DiMarco. Chiesa; retegui.
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