Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso warns that Northern Eire are a crew that ‘by no means offers up’ however insists the Azzurri are nonetheless ‘fragile’ and Federico Chiesa has ‘an issue.’
Gattuso spoke to after Thursday’s World Cup play-off draw.
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The Azzurri have been paired with
The potential Last might be away on March 31 in opposition to the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gattuso reacts to Italy World Cup draw
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, seems on previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Picture by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photographs)
“It’s a bodily crew; they by no means hand over,” Gattuso stated about Northern Eire.
“We now have to play it. I’ve been saying this for 3 months. We knew we needed to undergo the playoffs; we knew our path had to enhance. We glance forward with confidence.”
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There are rumours that the Italian federation needs to organise a get-together at Coverciano just a few weeks earlier than the semifinal, nevertheless it would possibly show to be tough resulting from a packed fixture checklist for golf equipment.
“It’s lower than me. We now have a President, and there are folks coping with this stuff. In fact, the extra days we have now to be collectively, the higher,” stated Gattuso.
“It’s Spherical 11 in Serie A, the 12 is about to start, and we’ll meet once more in Spherical 30. From my perspective, I have to take into consideration the way to stay in contact with the gamers, look them within the eyes and discuss to them, not nearly soccer, however about different issues too. Hopefully, we’ll do issues the proper method.”
Gattuso on Italy and Chiesa’s downside
EMPOLI, ITALY – JUNE 9: Federico Chiesa of Italy in motion through the Worldwide Pleasant match between Italy and Bosnia Herzegovina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on June 9, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Picture by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Photographs)
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Gattuso has used totally different formations thus far, however insisted that the Azzurri’s essential subject is just not tactical.
“The issue is just not tactical. Each system has professionals and cons,” he argued.
“Proper now, we should work on our fragility as a result of we’ve proved that once we do issues proper, we’re aggressive. In fact, you possibly can afford to make errors as we did the opposite night time, however that is my precedence: enhance this side. There might be time to consider programs. We’ll examine Northern Eire in one of the best ways. Hopefully, we’ll do as little harm as potential.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture through the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Picture by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Photographs)
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Requested whether or not Federico Chiesa will return to the nationwide crew for the playoffs subsequent 12 months, Gattuso replied: “You understand it properly. You understand Chiesa’s downside. You at all times ask me the identical factor. I name Chiesa in each call-up; I at all times discuss to him. The issue is just not Gattuso or his employees; he has an issue, not us. You understand it properly. You at all times ask the identical factor, and I at all times reply the identical.”
The Italian tactician stated earlier this month that Chiesa had whereas he was in cost.