Gattuso on Italy’s ‘obsession’ and what to avoid in World Cup play-off

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso admits that his ‘obsession’ is to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but warns the Azzurri about Northern Ireland: ‘In modern football, there are no easy games.’

Italy CT Gattuso released an interview with Vivo Azzurro just two days before Christmas.

The Azzurri will face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semifinal in March 2026 and will visit the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina if they progress to the Final.

“We must not make the same mistake as four years ago against North Macedonia. In modern football, there are no easy games,” Gattuso said, via TMW.

“[Northern Ireland] is a team that can cause trouble for us. We must be able to react and not go down if something negative happens. We’ll play for something meaningful, and the entire country is waiting. We must be calm and get there with the right mentality, for the country we represent and for this shirt.”

Italy have not played in the World Cup for more than ten years, having failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022.

The last time the Azzurri played a knockout game in the competition was nearly 20 years ago, in 2006, when they won the trophy with Gattuso as one of the players.

That legendary team was coached by Marcello Lippi, a role model for Gattuso.

“Since I’ve been the Italy coach, I’ve made a copy and paste of what he had done,” he said.

“Being true and coherent, there’s just one way if you want to create a group. Give that extra trust to a player when he’s struggling a bit and try to help. Giving a sense of belonging. He was a master at this.

“My obsession is to go to the World Cup, returning to where we had been for many years, even as protagonists. We must want it at all costs and don’t see ghosts after the first difficulty,” continued the Azzurri boss.

“I’m a new Gattuso now. I’m the first one who must convey tranquillity and make as few errors as possible. When we get to Coverciano, we’ll focus on preparing for the match. In the next three months, I’ll be working, travelling to watch games, meeting and talking to my players. I like to talk to them; we are often in touch.”

Gattuso won five of his opening six games as Italy’s coach.

“The players gave their all in every game, except the last one [against Norway], where we made mistakes in the second half. The team was always ready, and I saw a positive attitude, mentality and great sense of belonging,” he said.

“I’ve appreciated the sacrifices the players have made. Somebody didn’t feel well, but remained with us for a long time. During my playing career, I went to Coverciano on crutches many times and rightly so, because you don’t create a group in just two or three days.”

Gattuso was hired in June to replace Luciano Spalletti and made his debut in September in a 5-0 win over Estonia.

“I’ve immediately accepted the proposal, without thinking about the pros and cons. I accepted, and I don’t regret it. I represent my country, and I feel privileged,” he added.

“I have the chance to coach the Italy national team, and I think that a million people would like to be in my place. I have a lot of responsibility, but I also had it when I was 12 and went to Perugia. I was in a room, thinking that I could not return home, or I would have failed. I’ve been dealing with pressure for my whole life. I hope I can give the best with my lads and give the whole country great joy.”