Probable Italy line-up for Gattuso debut against Estonia

Originally posted on Football Italia | By Susy Campanale | Last updated Sep 4, 2025 4:29 PM ET

Gennaro Gattuso could make his Italy debut against Estonia with a 4-2-3-1 formation, including Mateo Retegui, Moise Kean, Sandro Tonali and Riccardo Calafiori.

It kicks off at the Stadio di Bergamo on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

This is the third game for the Azzurri in the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, after the 3-0 defeat in Norway and 2-0 win over Moldova.

Those were both under Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked in June and replaced by Gattuso.

Italy changes expected under Gattuso

The new coach has dropped few hints on what tactics he will adopt, other than suggesting he will abandon Spalletti’s three-man defence for four at the back.

Those are relatively locked down, along with Tonali and Nicolò Barella in midfield, but the attack is what remains to be seen.

Both Retegui and Kean can be used together in a 4-2-3-1, a 4-3-3, or a 4-4-2 formation.

The most likely is the 4-2-3-1, using Matteo Politano, Kean and Mattia Zaccagni fanning out behind Retegui.

Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca was forced to withdraw due to a knee issue, so will not be playing in his home stadium.

Italy vs. Estonia probable line-up (4-2-3-1): Donnarumma; Di Lorenzo, Calafiori, Bastoni, Dimarco; Barella, Tonali; Politano, Kean, Zaccagni; Retegui

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

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