Rome, March 20 -- The Italian squad for the FIFA World Cup playoffs was unveiled on Friday.

The squad features a total of 28 players, including midfielder Sandro Tonali from Newcastle United, who had been in doubt due to a muscle strain. Liverpool's Federico Chiesa returns, while Marco Palestra of Cagliari has earned his first-ever call-up, as per Goal.com.

Zaccagni, Orsolini and Bernardeschi are not a part of the squad, so are Vicario and Zaniolo.

Italy will lock horns with Northern Ireland in the semifinal of the playoffs on March 26 and will play their first leg at home in Bergamo. If they beat Northern Ireland, the Gianluigi Donnarumma captained side will be playing in an away final against Wales or Bosnia on March 31, with a World...