Italy coach addresses injuries, Chiesa decision, and pressure as Azzurri prepare for Northern Ireland showdown
Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso delivered a clear and intense message as the Azzurri began preparations for their crucial World Cup qualifying playoff against Northern Ireland: no excuses, no distractions—just focus.
Speaking from Coverciano on the first day of training camp, Gattuso emphasized that everything now comes down to Thursday night in Bergamo.
“We’ve done everything we needed to do to get here,” he said. “Now it’s on us. There’s no time to think about what could have been—we have to focus on the match.”
Chiesa decision explained
One of the biggest talking points was the withdrawal of Federico Chiesa, who left the national team camp due to fitness concerns. Gattuso made it clear the decision was mutual—and necessary.
“If a player isn’t convinced physically, I won’t force it,” he explained. “If he risks something serious, like his knee, how can he look me in the face later? Relationships matter. We decided together it was best for him to go back.”
Injury concerns persist
Gattuso also provided updates on several players dealing with fitness issues, including Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Scamacca.
“Bastoni is here, working hard and getting treatment—we hope to recover him,” Gattuso said. “Scamacca has an adductor problem, we’ll evaluate him day by day.”
He added that other players are managing minor issues but praised the group’s commitment to being available despite physical setbacks.
Managing pressure
With so much at stake, Gattuso stressed the importance of keeping the squad mentally balanced.
“We can’t suffocate the players,” he said. “They already know what this match means. We need to prepare with calmness and clarity.”
He acknowledged the pressure surrounding the national team but insisted it must be channeled positively.
“The tension is there—only someone without blood wouldn’t feel it,” he admitted. “But we have to transmit positivity.”
Why Bergamo?
Gattuso also revealed he personally chose Bergamo as the venue for the playoff, favoring its intense yet supportive atmosphere over larger, more demanding stadiums.
“At San Siro, after 10 minutes, you might hear whistles,” he said. “In Bergamo, even at 0-0, the crowd supports you. It’s a compact stadium, a real cauldron—we hope it helps.”
Trust in the group
Throughout the press conference, Gattuso repeatedly emphasized his belief in the squad he has built over the past months.
“I wanted to face these matches with my certainties,” he said. “This group has given me that.”
He also defended his selections, noting that several in-form players were left out in favor of maintaining balance and chemistry within the team.
Eyes on the prize
Gattuso closed with a reminder of what’s at stake—and what’s required to get there.
“We must approach this match with desire, but also with lucidity,” he said. “We need to sense danger, respect the opponent, and be ready for anything.”
For Italy, the equation is simple: one game, one opportunity, one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
