Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is ‘optimistic’ about, significantly due to Gennaro Gattuso’s ‘new’ method, however warns that opponents deserve respect: ‘In the event you assume it’s simple, then it should all grow to be harder.’
Italy host Northern Eire in Bergamo in a large World Cup play-off semifinal tonight.
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“I’m optimistic for a easy motive: Gattuso has chosen a brand new path that may give nice outcomes, I’m positive about it,” Prandelli, a former Italy coach and 2012 Euro Finalist, informed
“He’s had a direct relationship with the gamers. They didn’t even give him a stage, two days to spend with the staff. So what did he do? He toured Italy and Europe, assembly all his gamers.
“ like being amongst buddies, not essentially speaking about soccer. It’s simple for him as a result of he’s a pleasant one who pays consideration to those nuances.”
Prandelli can already see the optimistic results of Gattuso’s method: “The gamers really feel they’re a part of a household, a united group, the place some issues matter greater than techniques,” he mentioned.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gamers of Italy in the course of the Nationwide Anthem in the course of 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 Pictures)
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“Due to any incident, like a purpose conceded after one minute, or hitting the put up, any challenge is blown up, however the group stays.
“Traditionally, after we win, it’s as a result of the staff spirit has been created. The Azzurri not felt deserted; whereas round them, that was the sensation. Rino couldn’t work with them till Monday, so he determined to proceed in another way.”
NATAL, BRAZIL – JUNE 24: Head coach Cesare Prandelli of Italy reacts in the course of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Italy and Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas on June 24, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Picture by Julian Finney/Getty Pictures)
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Italy are the clear favourites in tonight’s conflict, however this doesn’t imply the opponent ought to be ignored.
“We’re superior, however the identical was true previously, and we have been left dissatisfied,” Prandelli concluded.
“Now everybody expects success, however soccer doesn’t work this fashion. Our opponents deserve the utmost respect. In the event you assume it’s simple, then it should all grow to be harder.”