Italy legend Christian Vieri agrees with Gennaro Gattuso that Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui kind the perfect strike partnership for tonight’s World Cup play-off semifinal towards Northern Eire.
Vieri ‘optimistic’ about Italy
The Azzurri host Northern Eire in Bergamo within the
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Italy haven’t certified for the World Cup since 2014, and can face both Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away in the event that they progress to the Ultimate. Will they safe a qualification this time?
“No one is aware of, however I’m optimistic,” Vieri instructed Corriere della Sera through
“We’re Italy, and we should make it. Lastly, we play this play-off, and we should do it with vitality and positivity.
DORTMUND, GERMANY – MARCH 23: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates scoring his group’s second aim through the UEFA Nations League Quarterfinal Leg Two match between Germany and Italy at Soccer Stadium Dortmund on March 23, 2025 in Dortmund, Germany. (Photograph by Stuart Franklin/Getty Photos)
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“Northern Eire is motivated; they haven’t performed at a World Cup for 40 years, and it’s a group that runs loads,” continued the ex-striker.
“However we play in Bergamo and the entire stadium will probably be blue. We have to be charged and have an important need, and actually, the gamers have it. One other World Cup with out Italy wouldn’t be okay.”
Gattuso is predicted to begin Retegui and Kean in assault tonight.
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Mateo Retegui of Italy celebrates scoring his group’s first aim through the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photograph by Marco Luzzani/Getty Photos)
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“They’ve scored loads, and so they deserve belief,” Vieri agreed.
“I’d see Pio Esposito higher approaching through the sport. He’s our future, however let’s not put stress on him. There are only a few gamers this good at 20,” the ex-Azzurri star agreed.
FLORENCE, ITALY – MARCH 22: Pio Esposito of FC Internazionale celebrates after scoring a aim through the Serie A match between ACF Fiorentina and FC Internazionale at Artemio Franchi on March 22, 2026 in Florence, Italy. (Photograph by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Photos)
“He moved naturally from Spezia to enjoying at San Siro, the place the entire world watches you. In Italy, there’s an excessive amount of stress. If Yamal has a foul sport in Spain, no one says something. Right here, all hell breaks free.”