Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso admits he is “obsessed” with qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, but warns the Azzurri against Northern Ireland.
Italy she did not manage to win a direct placement to the World Cup, so they will look for a new opportunity through the European play-off. “Azzurre” expects a test against in March of Northern Irelandand in the second semi-final, Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina meet. The winners will play each other in the final for placement at the WC.
We must not make the same mistake like four years ago against North Macedonia. There are no easy games in modern footballGattuso said in an interview with TMW.
Northern Ireland is a team that us can cause problems. We must be able to react and not fall if something negative happens. We are going to play for something significant, and the whole country is waiting. We have to be calm and come there with the right mentality, for the country we represent and for this jerseyadded the former coach of Split Hajduk.
Italy have not played at the World Cup for more than ten years, after failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022.
My obsession is to go to the World Cupto return to where we have been for many years. We must want it at all costs and we must not see ghosts after the first difficultiescontinued the boss of “Azzurra”.
Since taking over the national team instead of Luciano Spalletti in June, he has recorded five wins and one loss against Norway.
The players gave their all in every game, except for the last one (Norway), where we made mistakes in the second half. The team was always ready, and I saw it positive attitude, mentality and a great sense of belonginghe said.
I am now the new Gattuso. I am the first one who has to convey calmness and make as few mistakes as possible. When we arrive in Coverciano, we will focus on preparing for the match. For the next three months I will be working, traveling to watch matches, meeting and talking to my players. I love talking to them; we are in touch oftenhe added.
(Hina | Photo: X)
