Italy and Gattuso hope injured Di Lorenzo returns for World Cup play-off

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Lorenzo Bettoni | Last updated Feb 3, 2026 5:32 AM ET

Exams undergone by Giovanni Di Lorenzo have ruled out a serious knee injury, and with his recovery time expected to be between 40 and 60 days, Italy and Gennaro Gattuso hope the versatile defender will be available for the World Cup play-off next month.

Napoli defender Di Lorenzo could be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off next month.

Di Lorenzo injury update

The Azzurri defender was subbed off during Napoli’s last Serie A match against Fiorentina.

The Partenopei initially feared Di Lorenzo had suffered a knee ligament injury, but exams undergone at Villa Stuart on Monday highlighted a second-degree sprain to the left knee.

This means Di Lorenzo will likely remain on the sidelines for 40 to 60 days as he won’t undergo surgery, but only follow a conservative treatment.

Will Di Lorenzo be available for Italy’s World Cup play-off?

LISBON, PORTUGAL – DECEMBER 10: Giovanni Di Lorenzo during the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Phase MD6 match between SL Benfica and SSC Napoli at Estadio da Luz on December 10, 2025 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by Gualter Fatia/Getty Images)

According to Gazzetta, Italy coach Gattuso hopes the experienced defender will recover in time for the World Cup play-off scheduled for the end of March.

Italy will host Northern Ireland in the semifinal on March 26, and if they progress, they will then visit Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the Final.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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