Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has advised his squad they need to not take Northern Eire frivolously of their World Cup play-off match.
Because the Azzurri put together for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo, the previous midfield normal has labeled the conflict “an important recreation” of his managerial profession.
After the trauma of lacking the final two World Cups, the four-time world champions are beneath immense strain to keep away from a historic third consecutive failure.
Gattuso, who famously lifted the trophy as a participant in 2006, took the reins final June following a stuttering qualifying begin. Nevertheless, he was unable to leapfrog Norway in Group I, leaving Italy to navigate the treacherous play-off route.
The stakes are easy: win in Bergamo, and Italy will face both Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot within the 2026 match.
“I’d be mendacity if I mentioned after I put my head on the pillow at evening, I didn’t hear the voices saying ‘Take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup’,” Gattuso admitted.
“I hear it, and that is definitely an important recreation of my profession. Having mentioned that, I’m ready. I wish to suppose constructive, to suppose large. Tomorrow we’ll play our recreation, after which we’ll see.”
Regardless of Italy’s superior technical pedigree, Gattuso was fast to focus on the grit of Michael O’Neill’s facet. Northern Eire arrive on the New Stability Area with out Premier League abilities Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, however Gattuso expects a battle of attrition.
Echoing controversial sentiments beforehand made by Julian Nagelsmann, Gattuso famous that Northern Eire’s major menace stays their directness.
“We should be able to undergo when Northern Eire systematically pump the ball into the field,” he warned. “Any free-kick will see their goalkeeper smack a protracted ball ahead with eight or 9 gamers exhibiting unbelievable starvation combating for the unfastened ball.
“I’m not saying lengthy balls are the one means they play, however it’s their major attribute, they usually do it very nicely.”
World Cup – Qualification Europe 7:45 PMNovember 14, 2025 Group Stage – 9 Košická futbalová aréna Referee: Istvan Kovacs, Romania Copy and paste this HTML…
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