Gattuso: ‘Italy had it all to lose’ against Israel, now for 2026 World Cup play-offs

Gennaro Gattuso warns Italy ‘had it all to lose’ against Israel, as their 3-0 victory has guaranteed a place in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.

The atmosphere was not ideal at the Stadio Friuli in Udine, as with security checks and a protest in the city square, only around 10,000 were in the stands.

Even then, the performance was disappointingly sluggish, breaking through only with a Mateo Retegui penalty, while Gianluigi Donnarumma had to make two big saves.

It was better after the break, as Retegui curled a wonderful finish into the far top corner to complete his brace, then in stoppages Gianluca Mancini nodded in from a corner.

“We did well, because we all remember what happened a month ago, they made us wobble,” Gattuso told RAI Sport of that 5-4 thriller.

“I think we were more controlled tonight, they created a few chances too and Gigio made some big saves, but I saw the right spirit. Locatelli had a great game, the strikers struggled a little, but played the way we had to.

“We had it all to lose this evening, don’t forget that, so I feel we did well.”