Buffon Backs Gattuso and Says Italy Are Waiting for Chiesa Ahead of World Cup Play‑Offs

Overview

• Italy face Northern Ireland in a World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, 2026, with an away final against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 30 if they advance.
• Buffon says the team is waiting for Federico Chiesa’s return and calls him a rare talent in Europe, while stressing that selection is driven by the group’s needs.
• Chiesa has not played for the Azzurri since June 2024 and has declined call-ups under Gennaro Gattuso, who previously said the winger has a problem to address.
• Defending the coach, Buffon decries what he calls prejudice against Gattuso and labels him the right head coach for the national team.
• Gattuso hopes for Serie A schedule concessions before March, as Buffon pushes preparation regardless and outlines talks with Cesare Prandelli on a youth overhaul focused on ages 7 to 13, warning that failure to qualify could reset the project.