Gattuso to Monitor 12 Italy Squad Hopefuls in Inter vs. Atalanta Ahead of World Cup Play-offs

Italy's national team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, is in the final stages of evaluating players for the crucial upcoming World Cup play-offs. A key fixture for his assessment will be this weekend's Serie A showdown between Inter and Atalanta, offering Gattuso a prime opportunity to closely observe 12 potential candidates for his squad.

Tomorrow, Saturday, March 14, Serie A leaders Inter will host Atalanta at San Siro. This highly anticipated match features numerous Italian players from both "Nerazzurri" clubs who are strong contenders for a spot in the national team as the Azzurri prepare for their World Cup play-off campaign later this month. Other players are also vying for inclusion in Gattuso's final squad, which he is expected to announce next week.

Among the Inter players drawing Gattuso's keen attention are Alessandro Bastoni, Francesco Pio Esposito, Nicolò Barella, Davide Frattesi, and Federico Dimarco. Dimarco, Bastoni, and Esposito are largely considered to have secured their places. While Barella is a regular for the Azzurri, his recent dip in form has reportedly raised concerns for the national team coach. Similarly, Frattesi, who has not been a regular starter for Inter, is also under scrutiny. Meanwhile, Matteo Darmian and Francesco Acerbi are reportedly unlikely to receive a call-up.

Several Atalanta players are also hoping to earn a place in the Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-offs. In defense, Giorgio Scalvini is a strong candidate. Goalkeeper Marco Carnesecchi, alongside forwards Gianluca Scamacca and Giacomo Raspadori, are also being monitored, though Raspadori's current injury status might prevent his timely recovery. Other Italian players from Atalanta who have seen regular action this season and could be considered include Davide Zappacosta, Lorenzo Bernasconi, and Raoul Bellanova.

Italy's journey in the World Cup play-offs begins on March 26 with a semi-final match against Northern Ireland in Bergamo. Should they advance, they will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.