Gennaro Gattuso says Italy "deserves the joy" of reaching the World Cup and hopes "with all my heart that we'll reach this target".

Italy are preparing for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, having finished second in Group I behind Norway in qualifying.

As such, the Nerazzurri are entering the play-offs for the third World Cup cycle in a row.

They missed out on a place in the tournament in both 2022 and 2018, losing to North Macedonia and Sweden in their play-offs.

But Gattuso is determined to ensure that Italy are in the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ending their 12-year wait.

Gattuso has opted not to include attackers Nicolo Zaniolo, Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini in his squad, though he does not feel that will affect the team.

"I have tried since the first day to build rapport with the players. I know you'll ask me about Zaniolo, Bernardeschi, and Orsolini, even if the latter was here recently," he said.

"But I tried to create a group, and I'm very satisfied with it. I hope with all my heart that we'll reach this target. I believe this group deserves joy for what we've done in these months.

"I'm aware that players like Zaniolo have done really well, but I made decisions in good faith. I didn't want to lose time explaining how to stay together, and I have great confidence in the players I've called.

The #Azzurri squad for the World Cup play-offs #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/spL2Zq1drn

— Italy (@Azzurri_En) March 20, 2026

"All players who are here are aware of what we play for and how important this game is. These are players who have won a lot, played Champions League Finals, and won the Euros with the Azzurri shirt. I strongly believe in our players.

"We must get to this game with great desire, be clear-headed and smell the danger. We respect the opponents, they run so much, they have a big heart and are scary from set-pieces."

Liverpool's Federico Chiesa had been selected for the squad, but it was confirmed on Monday that he had withdrawn due to injury, with Nicolo Cambiaghi called up in his place.

The midfielder has managed just 673 minutes for the Reds in all competitions, starting just five of his 32 appearances.

"They are not all the same; the players' heads are not the same," Gattuso said of Chiesa returning to Liverpool.

"When I heard that he had problems and doubts, I had to make a decision. He didn't feel up for it, so he decided to return home, and I had to accept it.

"Rapports are important, besides a game. I don't have great medical knowledge, but I've understood that one can't insist much. I don't insist, but when one wants to return home, it's right to let him do it."

Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo for their semi-final on March 26, and should they win, they will travel to face the winner of the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.