Gennaro Gattuso warns Italy ‘had all of it to lose’ in opposition to Israel, as has assured a spot within the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
The ambiance was not perfect on the Stadio Friuli in Udine, as with safety checks and a protest within the metropolis sq., solely round 10,000 have been within the stands.
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Even then, the efficiency was disappointingly sluggish, breaking by solely with a Mateo Retegui penalty, whereas Gianluigi Donnarumma needed to make two large saves.
It was higher after the break, as Retegui curled an exquisite end into the far high nook to finish his brace, then in stoppages Gianluca Mancini nodded in from a nook.
Gattuso noticed enchancment from Italy
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, sings the Italian nationwide anthem previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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“We did nicely, as a result of all of us keep in mind what occurred a month in the past, they made us wobble,” of that
“I believe we have been extra managed tonight, they created just a few possibilities too and Gigio made some large saves, however I noticed the suitable spirit. Locatelli had an incredible recreation, the strikers struggled a bit, however performed the way in which we needed to.
“We had all of it to lose this night, don’t overlook that, so I really feel we did nicely.”
Italy have scored no less than three objectives in every of Gattuso’s 4 video games on the helm, one thing that predecessor Luciano Spalletti had actually struggled with.
“There are few groups on this planet now who can dominate matches, so we should be capable to undergo underneath strain, know easy methods to push by with grit. As soon as we’ve the ball, we do have high quality, however an important factor we should enhance is that centimetre by centimetre pushing arduous.”
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Manuel Locatelli of Italy shouts directions through the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Pictures)
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The Azzurri knew their possibilities of getting forward of Norway within the group are very slim certainly, as a result of even when they handle to win the head-to-head at San Siro subsequent month, Erling Haaland’s males are to this point forward on purpose distinction.
“Now we’ve obtained to hope we don’t lose any extra gamers to harm, we’ll meet once more in November, and can attempt to give some new gamers an opportunity to shine. We wish to create a strong unit that works nicely collectively, each on and off the sector,” concluded Gattuso.
The play-offs will begin with semi-finals in March, and the draw can be made on November 21.