Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso has told his squad they must not take Northern Ireland lightly in their World Cup play-off match.
As the Azzurri prepare for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final in Bergamo, the former midfield general has labeled the clash “the most important game” of his managerial career.
After the trauma of missing the last two World Cups, the four-time world champions are under immense pressure to avoid a historic third consecutive failure.
Gattuso, who famously lifted the trophy as a player in 2006, took the reins last June following a stuttering qualifying start. However, he was unable to leapfrog Norway in Group I, leaving Italy to navigate the treacherous play-off route.
The stakes are simple: win in Bergamo, and Italy will face either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot in the 2026 tournament.
“I’d be lying if I said when I put my head on the pillow at night, I didn’t hear the voices saying ‘Take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup, take us to the World Cup’,” Gattuso admitted.
“I hear it, and this is certainly the most important game of my career. Having said that, I am prepared. I want to think positive, to think big. Tomorrow we will play our game, and then we’ll see.”
Despite Italy’s superior technical pedigree, Gattuso was quick to highlight the grit of Michael O’Neill’s side. Northern Ireland arrive at the New Balance Arena without Premier League talents Conor Bradley and Dan Ballard, but Gattuso expects a battle of attrition.
Echoing controversial sentiments previously made by Julian Nagelsmann, Gattuso noted that Northern Ireland’s primary threat remains their directness.
“We must be ready to suffer when Northern Ireland systematically pump the ball into the box,” he warned. “Any free-kick will see their goalkeeper smack a long ball forward with eight or nine players showing incredible hunger fighting for the loose ball.
“I’m not saying long balls are the only way they play, but it is their primary characteristic, and they do it very well.”
