De Rossi warns gap has closed in Europe: ‘But Italy are safe with Gattuso & Buffon’

Genoa coach Daniele De Rossi used his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Cagliari to reflect on both his team’s preparations and Italy’s tricky path toward the 2026 World Cup.

Asked about the Azzurri’s upcoming playoff, the former midfielder drew on personal memories from his time with the national team.

“It happened to us too,” he recalled, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb.

“I played in Moldova: we struggled there as well. The gap between Europe’s big nations and the rest has narrowed. We were in the same boat. Years ago you’d recognise the No.10 of the national team as Totti, Del Piero, Baggio. Now you play Norway and you’re up against the strongest striker in the world, or two of the strongest wingers in the world.”

De Rossi underlined his faith in the current technical leadership of Italy. “Rino, Gigi, Bonucci: they shed blood for that shirt, symbolically. Starting with people like them makes me feel calm. Sometimes you find yourself in a group where Norway are simply stronger. We have to accept that there are national teams today who are stronger than Italy, teams that weren’t 20 years ago.”

Turning back to Genoa, De Rossi spoke positively about the international break. “We’re proud our players travel around the world. I worked with those who stayed, focusing on our principles and on things that needed more time. Physically we’re satisfied: we looked around and understood where we are.”

Those returning from national duty bring mixed emotions, he added. “Some come back happy after qualifying, others less so. But they played, showed themselves, put minutes in their legs. The international break annoys people who love club football, but it’s also a chance for players to change air a bit.”