Italy maintains optimism ahead of crucial match for World Cup qualification.
Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso has cautioned his players against underestimating Northern Ireland as he gears up for “the most significant match” of his coaching career.
Having missed out on qualification for the previous two World Cups, the four-time champions can hardly entertain the thought of a loss to Michael O’Neill’s squad in their qualifying playoff semifinal in Bergamo on Thursday evening.
Gattuso, who was a World Cup champion as a player in 2006, was appointed by Italy in June following a disappointing start to their Group I campaign, but he could not secure automatic qualification, finishing second to Norway.
The stakes are now high for Italy to succeed in these playoffs, with the victor of Thursday’s encounter moving on to a final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
“I would be dishonest if I claimed that when I lay down at night, I don’t hear the voices saying ‘Take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup’,” Gattuso stated.
“I hear it, and this is undoubtedly the most crucial match of my career, even though I have been coaching for a few years now.
“That said, I am ready, and trust me, I am not contemplating negative outcomes. I prefer to think positively and aim high. Tomorrow we will focus on our game, and then we will see what happens.”
Gattuso has a roster filled with players who possess experience at the highest levels, yet he still acknowledged the challenge posed by a motivated and eager Northern Ireland team, which will be without two of their Premier League players, the injured Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard.
O’Neill’s youthful squad has developed in their style of play, but Gattuso noted that he still observed a team that primarily relies on long balls and competing for second chancesβa perspective that sparked controversy when expressed by Germany’s coach Julian Nagelsmann during last year’s Group A campaign.
Gattuso emphasized that he meant no disrespect with his observations.
“We must be prepared to endure when Northern Ireland consistently sends the ball into the box,” Gattuso remarked. “Keep in mind that any free kick will see their goalkeeper launch a long ball forward with eight or nine players displaying remarkable determination in pursuit of the loose ball and rebound.
“[The players] understand what they need to do, to anticipate danger, and to believe in every single ball. We also need to be cautious during set pieces. I am not suggesting that long balls are their sole tactic, but it is their main characteristic, and they execute it very effectively.”
Gattuso disclosed earlier this week that over the past few months, he has traveled extensively across Italy and made several trips abroad to dine with his players and maintain team morale.
One of those visits was to Saudi Arabia, where Italy’s leading striker, Mateo Retegui, plays under Brendan Rodgers with Al Qadsiah.
Retegui spoke highly of the Northern Irishman, who has achieved 14 wins and three draws since taking over in December.
“I have a fantastic relationship with Brendan,” Retegui stated. “I have nothing but positive things to say about him.
“He has wished me the best of luck, but we discuss other topics [beyond this match]. He is a remarkable person, an excellent coach, and he has already demonstrated that at all the clubs he has been with in the past.”
Information from PA was utilized in this report.
