Gennaro Gattuso warns Italy should ‘not discuss concern, however assume optimistic’ within the World Cup play-off in opposition to Northern Eire, however on the identical time ‘respect’ their opponents.
It kicks off on the New Stability Area in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).
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BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, appears to be like on previous to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Specific Group Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photograph by Bryn Lennon/Getty Photographs)
The winner will likely be determined tonight after 90 minutes, further time, or perhaps a penalty shoot-out.
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Whoever goes by way of can then face both Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina within the last on Tuesday March 31.
Gattuso requires Italy optimistic pondering
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture 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. (Photograph by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Photographs)
Gattuso personally picked the Bergamo venue as a result of he wished the followers to be extra supportive in comparison with larger venues like San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico.
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“We all know it’s going to begin with an exquisite ambiance, however then it’s as much as us to indicate that we’re conserving that up and within the recreation,”
It’s past doubt that Italy are stronger on paper than Northern Eire, however that may be a double-edged sword.
“Relating to set performs, all of it begins from scratch, they’re very sturdy in these conditions, and we should respect them,” famous Gattuso.
“In open play, we’ve received extra, however we should not under-estimate them. What we want is endurance. It isn’t a scandal, they consider in themselves and it’s no fluke that Germany and Slovakia struggled to 1-0 wins over them in qualifying.
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“Northern Eire are robust, even when they aren’t that showy a crew.”
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy in the course of the Nationwide anthems previous to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photograph by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Photographs)
Francesco Pio Esposito is on the bench, as Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui are chosen to guide the assault.
“We’re in good condition there, however what issues is having strikers who also can assist develop the strikes in opposition to a bodily sturdy defence. We have to attain the ultimate third in the best technique to discover these areas.”
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Contemplating Italy missed the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 by shedding the play-offs to opponents who had been weaker on paper, how can they flip concern into braveness?
“One of the best factor is to not discuss concern,” replied Gattuso. “We should assume optimistic, as many of those gamers had been right here 4 years in the past, they know what they went by way of. Everybody should give 150 per cent.
“I can guarantee you, all through this week, we by no means mentioned the phrase concern. I’m satisfied that tonight individuals will likely be passionate and put themselves in entrance of the tv cheering us on wildly.
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“It’s nonetheless as much as us, we gave the followers a lot disappointment and they’re hungry for some pleasure.”
There will likely be a minute’s silence earlier than kick-off for former Italy, Bologna, Napoli and Atalanta striker Beppe Savoldi.