ROME — Coach Gennaro Gattuso expressed that only “someone completely devoid of emotion” wouldn’t feel anxious as Italy strives to avoid missing out on qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gattuso retains the same fiery spirit and determination he displayed as a player in the Italy squad that secured the nation’s fourth World Cup title in 2006.
As the team prepares for Thursday’s playoff match against Northern Ireland, Gattuso revealed that he sent home gifted winger Federico Chiesa, marking a significant break from the standout player who helped secure the European Championship five years ago.
“It’s clear that there’s tension,” Gattuso acknowledged on Monday. “Only someone without a heartbeat wouldn’t feel it. However, we need to focus on maintaining a positive mindset.”
Unfortunately, positivity has not characterized Italy’s playoff performances in the last two World Cups, where the Azzurri faced elimination at the hands of Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively.
This time, Italy finds itself in a perilous situation after two defeats to Norway in qualifying. The Azzurri must secure a victory against Northern Ireland at home in Bergamo and then win against Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina away next week to avoid at least 16 years without participating in soccer’s premier event.
“There are no excuses,” Gattuso emphasized. “It’s pointless to dwell on what could have been. Our only focus should be on Thursday’s match. We must forget that we’ve won four World Cups, two Euros, and an Olympic gold. Right now, all that matters is Thursday’s game.”
“Every player here today understands the stakes and the importance of this match.”
Chiesa, who had briefly rejoined the national team for the first time in nearly two years, was sent back to Liverpool after experiencing minor physical issues.
“We decided it was best for him not to stay,” Gattuso mentioned.
When asked why Chiesa was singled out for departure while other injured players like Sandro Tonali, Gianluca Scamacca, and Alessandro Bastoni remained with the squad, Gattuso explained his decision, noting that not all players possess the same mindset. He stated that they mutually agreed Chiesa would return home as he felt unable to contribute fully.
Bologna winger Nicolò Cambiaghi has stepped in to replace Chiesa.
Since joining Liverpool from Juventus two years ago, Chiesa has struggled for game time, starting just one Premier League match this season.
Northern Ireland also faced a setback as center-back Daniel Ballard was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. He is one of the few players on the Northern Ireland roster with Premier League experience.
Conor Bradley, Northern Ireland’s captain and a right-back for Liverpool, is also sidelined with an injury.
With Gattuso unable to secure a training camp in the four months since Italy’s last match, he and team chief Gianluigi Buffon traveled across Italy and even to London, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar to host dinners with squad players to bolster team unity.
“There were no tactics or discussions about football involved,” Gattuso recounted. “We focused on building team cohesion.”
Gattuso selected the 23,500-seat stadium in Bergamo for the match to foster a more supportive environment. He noted that during the defeat to Norway at the San Siro, players from opposing clubs faced booing from their home fans.
“With the first misplaced pass comes the whistles,” he observed. “But during our match in Bergamo, we received cheers even with a 0-0 halftime score.”
Italy led Norway 1-0 at halftime in November before conceding four goals in the second half, including two from Erling Haaland.
“I’ve worked hard on addressing challenges over the past months; a single event shouldn’t dictate the outcome of a match,” Gattuso stated. “It all comes down to how we respond to adversity.”
The playoff comes on the heels of Italy’s recent successes in other sports, including the Winter Olympics, Formula 1, tennis, volleyball, and even baseball.
“Such successes tend to come in waves,” Gattuso remarked. “Seeing wins in other sports inspires me and fills me with pride.”
“Currently, our history indicates struggle, but we have a significant opportunity to achieve our goal.”
If Italy secures qualification for the World Cup, they will be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Qatar, and Switzerland.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.