Nicolò Barella — Italy · FIFA World Cup 2026

Italy's midfield during their triumphant 2020 UEFA European Championship campaign, Barella has become a cornerstone of the Azzurri's playmaking setup with his tireless work rate and technical proficiency. Though he missed the opportunity to compete in the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar due to Italy's failure to qualify, his performances in the Nations League and European competitions have solidified his status as one of Europe's premier midfielders.