ROME — Coach Gennaro Gattuso stated that only “someone without blood running through their veins” would not feel anxious as Italy seeks to avoid missing out on qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gattuso remains as passionate and tenacious as he was during his time on the Italy squad that secured the nation’s fourth World Cup title in 2006.
In advance of Thursday’s playoff match against Northern Ireland, he also indicated that he sent home talented winger Federico Chiesa, which could signify a significant separation from the standout player of the European Championship victory five years ago.
“It’s undeniable that there’s nervousness,” Gattuso remarked on Monday. “Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn’t feel it. However, we must focus on conveying a great deal of positivity.”
Positivity, nonetheless, is not what characterizes Italy’s performances in the playoffs for the last two World Cups, where the Azzurri faced elimination by Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively.
Italy finds itself in a precarious position at the same stage for the upcoming World Cup in North America after suffering two defeats to Norway in qualifying. The Azzurri must secure a victory against Northern Ireland at home in Bergamo and then against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away next week to prevent a gap of at least 16 years without participating in soccer’s premier event.
“There are no excuses,” Gattuso stated. “It’s pointless to dwell on whether we could have performed better. The only focus should be on Thursday’s match. We must forget that we’ve won four World Cups, two Euros, and an Olympic title. For us, the only match that matters is Thursday’s.
“All of the players present today understand what is at stake and how crucial it is.”
Chiesa was sent back to Liverpool after briefly rejoining the national team for the first time in nearly two years.
“He had some minor [physical] issues, and we decided it was unnecessary for him to remain,” Gattuso explained.
When asked why Chiesa was singled out while injured players like Sandro Tonali, Gianluca Scamacca, and Alessandro Bastoni remained with the team, the former AC Milan coach noted that when he took over from the dismissed Luciano Spalletti in June, he had announced that injured players would stay with the squad to enhance team morale.
“Because not every player shares the same mindset,” Gattuso replied. “When I hear that someone is uncertain, that’s when I know I need to make a decision. We made this choice together. He felt he wasn’t ready, and he went home. I need to accept that.”
Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi has taken Chiesa’s place.
Chiesa has had limited playing time since transferring to Liverpool from Juventus two years ago and has started only one Premier League match this season.
Northern Ireland also lost a key player on Monday when center-back Daniel Ballard was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. The Sunderland defender is one of the few players on Northern Ireland’s roster with Premier League experience.
Conor Bradley, Northern Ireland’s captain and a Liverpool right-back, was already sidelined due to injury.
Since Gattuso was unable to persuade soccer authorities to arrange a training camp in the four months since Italy last played, he and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon traveled throughout Italy—along with trips to London, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar—to share meals with the squad players to foster team spirit.
“There was no whiteboard or markers,” Gattuso noted. “We didn’t go to discuss football or tactics. Our purpose was to build team unity.”
Gattuso mentioned that he opted to play in Bergamo’s 23,500-seat stadium to cultivate a more positive atmosphere. When Italy lost to Norway at the San Siro in November, he observed that AC Milan and Inter Milan fans would boo players from rival clubs.
“At the first misplaced pass, you start hearing the boos,” Gattuso remarked. “Whereas when we played in Bergamo, we received cheers at halftime even when it was 0-0.”
Italy led Norway 1-0 at halftime in November before Norway scored four goals in the second half, including two by Erling Haaland.
“I have worked extensively over these months on managing adversity. One incident shouldn’t alter the flow of a match,” Gattuso stated. “It depends on how you respond and handle it.”
The playoff follows a series of achievements in other sports by Italians—from the Winter Olympics to Formula 1, tennis, volleyball, and even baseball.
“These things come in cycles,” Gattuso commented. “When I see us succeeding in other sports, it motivates me. It fills me with pride.
“Currently, our history indicates that we are facing challenges. However, we have a significant opportunity here to achieve our goal.”
If Italy qualifies for the World Cup, it will be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
Information from The Associated Press was utilized in this report.
