Seleção Italiana – Foto: X.com/ Itália
In Rome, on Wednesday (15), coach Gennaro Gattuso heightened tension in the European Qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup by stating he will leave the country if Italy does not qualify. The Italian national team holds second place in Group I, three points behind Norway, with a goal difference disadvantage of 10 against 26 for the leaders. With two rounds left in November, the Azzurra needs wins to avoid playoffs and a third consecutive absence from the World Cup, since 2014.
Gattuso took over in July, replacing Luciano Spalletti after three initial losses. The team secured at least the playoffs with a recent 3-0 win over Israel, but the coach emphasized the urgency in a press conference.
The statement reflects the pressure on the former player, 2006 world champion, who aims to rescue the four-time world champion from a crisis lasting over a decade in Italian football.
— Nazionale Italiana ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri) October 15, 2025
Current position in Group I
Italy totals 15 points in eight games played, tied in wins with Israel but ahead on goal difference. Norway leads with 18 points and unbeaten, while Estonia, Moldova, and Israel compete for remaining playoff spots.
The Italians won four of the last five matches under Gattuso, including routs over Estonia (5-0) and Moldova (3-1). The defense improved, conceding just two goals in the last four rounds.
The playoffs are secured for the second place, but direct qualification requires overtaking the Norwegians in the direct clash.
Recent performance of the Azzurra
Gattuso implemented a 3-5-2 scheme that balanced defense and attack, with highlights for Donnarumma in goal and Retegui leading the offense. The team scored 18 goals in the qualifiers, averaging 2.25 per game.
Consecutive wins against Estonia and Israel boosted confidence, but early losses to Norway exposed midfield weaknesses.
The coach praised the collective spirit after the 3-0 over Israel, with two goals from Retegui and one from Mancini, maintaining home invincibility.
Gattuso’s statement generates repercussion
“If we don’t qualify for the World Cup, I’ll move and live far from Italy. I’m already a bit far, but I’ll go even farther,” said the coach in the post-game press conference against Israel. The phrase went viral among fans and analysts, highlighting Gattuso’s personal motivation for the challenge.
He took the job with a contract until 2026, but pressure from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) increases with the risk of early elimination. President Gabriel Gravina supports the coach but demands concrete results in the final rounds.
The statement reinforces Gattuso’s commitment, who has 73 games for the national team as a player, including the 2006 title in Germany.
Decisive schedule of final rounds
The ninth round takes place on November 13, with Italy visiting Moldova in Chisinau. The game should serve to test rotations, as the Azzurra needs full points.
In the tenth and last, on November 16, the direct clash against Norway at the Giuseppe Meazza Stadium in Milan will define the leadership. About 75 thousand fans are expected, creating a final-like atmosphere.
- Moldova x Italy: Focus on ball possession and quick counterattacks to avoid surprises.
- Italy x Norway: Key duel, needing to exploit rivals’ defensive errors.
- Potential playoffs: Draw in December, against seconds from other groups or thirds from the Nations League.
Gattuso called up 27 players for October, prioritizing a mix of veterans like Jorginho and youngsters like Camarda.
History of World Cup absences worsens crisis
Italy has not played a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil, where it fell in the group stage. In 2018 and 2022, eliminated in playoffs, the four-time champion saw rivals like France and Spain advance.
The crisis reflects issues in Italian football, with clubs like Milan and Inter losing ground in Europe due to Uefa’s Financial Fair Play. Since 2006, the national team has not advanced beyond the round of 16 in World Cups.
Gattuso, with only one Italian Cup as coach at Napoli, bets on intensity to rescue the azzurra defensive tradition that marked victorious eras.
Preparation for playoffs
Even aiming for direct spot, playoffs require planning. The playoffs involve 12 second-placed teams and four from the Nations League, in knockout matches in March 2026.
Gattuso cut four players before recent games, including names from Fiorentina and Napoli, to focus on a compact core. Trainings emphasize quick transitions and set pieces.
The FIGC invested in infrastructure, but analysts point to a shortage of elite strikers as the main obstacle.
Key players in the campaign
Donnarumma records 12 clean sheets in 2025, essential for stability. Retegui, with 11 goals for Azzurra, leads the group’s scoring.
- Sandro Tonali: Recovered from suspension, sets pace in midfield with 85% pass accuracy.
- Mateo Retegui: Twice top scorer in Serie B, adapts to the national team with speed.
- Alessandro Bastoni: Versatile defender, averaging 4 tackles per game.
- Gianluigi Donnarumma: Highlight in difficult saves, like against Israel.
These names sustain Gattuso’s ambitions toward the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
