Poland lost only one of their eight 2026 World Cup qualifiers at the group stage. Albania scored just seven goals in their eight qualifying matches, as well.
Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has opened up on the intense man-management style of Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso, jokingly claiming the Azzurri boss has called him more frequently than his own mother in recent months. The versatile 23-year-old is preparing for a crucial World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland as Italy look to avoid missing out on a third consecutive tournament.
Tottenham forward Dejan Kulusevski is set to link up with the Sweden national team ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff despite his ongoing injury struggles. The winger has been sidelined for nearly a year following a serious knee injury suffered last season.
Italy is once again fearing for its World Cup hopes; the pressure on the four-time world champions is immense ahead of the decisive matches for one of the last places.
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has confirmed that Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa was sent home ahead of a crucial World Cup play-off tie against Northern Ireland. The manager says the forward had some "minor issues" and "wasn't up to it".
Federico Chiesa has ended his international exile by accepting a call-up to the Italy squad for next Thursday's crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland. Gennaro Gattuso named his 28-man squad on Friday, with the Liverpool forward's inclusion the headline news after he had rejected several previous call-ups across various camps this season.
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