Italy is reportedly planning to host their 2026 World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo and a potential final in Rome, as the Azzurri prepare for another qualification battle.
Italy is making venue preparations for the March 2026 World Cup play-offs, with reports suggesting the semi-final will be hosted at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo and the potential final at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.
According to a report from Football Italia, the Italian national team is already making concrete plans for their 2026 World Cup play-off campaign scheduled for March 2026.
The Azzurri, who previously faltered in the 2018 and 2022 play-offs, are preparing to navigate the route to qualification once again.
Italy’s final match of Group I is this evening at San Siro, where they host Norway at 19.45 GMT. The report notes that although a victory would draw the two teams level on points, it would require “an incredible 9-0 result to turn around the massive gap in goal difference.”
This means the Nazionale are “practically certain to be going into the play-offs.”
The draw is set to take place on November 20, where Italy will learn their opponents for the semi-final and, potentially, the final. As top seeds, the Azzurri are guaranteed home advantage in the semi-final.
Sky Sport Italia reports that the New Balance Arena in Bergamo has been selected as the venue for the play-off semi-final.
Should Italy host the subsequent final match—a decision which is determined by a separate draw—suggestions point to the Stadio Olimpico in Rome being chosen as the venue for the decisive fixture.
The preparations underscore the gravity of the upcoming play-off tournament for the four-time World Cup winners.