The Italian National Team and the Play-offs for the Future

For many Italian players, the upcoming play-offs are not only an opportunity to participate in the World Cup for the first time in their football careers, but also a chance to open a brighter door for themselves.

It is certain that if they participate in the World Cup, the players' value will significantly increase. If they shine at the World Cup, anyone could become a star in the transfer market. Italy's absence from the last two World Cups has undoubtedly played a key role in diminishing the image and value of Italian players compared to before.

Therefore, the Azzurri players are hoping for a breakthrough, or at least to have more options for their future, if they can lead Italy to the World Cup. This is also a time when quite a few names are expected to change their club colors in the Summer of 2026, and certainly, participating in the planet's football festival will be an important catalyst.

The most prominent is Sandro Tonali, whose Newcastle shirt seems to have become too tight. Desired by Manchester United and Manchester City, the former Milan midfielder is predicted to become one of the most expensive signings in the Premier League this summer.

Alessandro Bastoni and Nicolo Barella are also other big names likely to change clubs. They are very talented and have dedicated many years to Inter Milan, but Inter might sell some major stars to rebuild and renew motivation. Bastoni, currently facing difficulties in Italy due to a recent "diving" incident to earn a red card, is being pursued by Barcelona, while Barella is always favored by Premier League teams for his hardworking, persistent style of play. Their teammate, Davide Frattesi, will definitely leave, but if he doesn't re-prove his talent at the World Cup, he will struggle to find a satisfactory destination.

The striker duo Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean are both on Milan's priority list, as the club is craving a "number 9" to truly return to a championship-contending position. Retegui has grown tired of the Middle East, while Kean needs to save himself with better performances to convince Milan to spend over 50 million euros in contract compensation.

Participating in the World Cup will also be a life-changing opportunity for a series of lesser-known young players like goalkeeper Elia Caprile, right-back Marco Palestra (both from Cagliari), Diego Coppola (Brighton), and Nicolo Cambiaghi (Bologna). Caprile is currently closely monitored by Inter, along with Marco Carnesecchi, the 25-year-old goalkeeper of Atalanta. It is very difficult for these third or fourth-choice options for Gattuso's Azzurri goal to get playing opportunities, but their call-up for the play-offs is already a certificate of the professional value they possess.