Azzurri boss inspired by Lippi as Bastoni and Scamacca remain doubts ahead of must-win clash with Northern Ireland
For Gennaro Gattuso, this is more than just another game—it’s the defining moment of his coaching career.
On the eve of Italy’s crucial World Cup playoff against Northern Ireland in Bergamo, the Azzurri head coach spoke with intensity and clarity, fully aware of what’s at stake.
“This is the most important match of my career,” Gattuso said. “For seven months, I’ve been thinking about one thing—getting Italy back to the World Cup.”
Inspired by Lippi
Gattuso also revealed an emotional boost ahead of the match, referencing words of encouragement from former Italy World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi.
“I read what Lippi said this morning and it moved me,” Gattuso admitted. “We’ve been through a lot together, and I care deeply about him.”
Despite the pressure, Gattuso insists his focus remains firmly on the present—not on Italy’s past failures or historic success.
“We’re not thinking about the World Cups we won or the ones we missed,” he said. “We’re thinking about tomorrow.”
Fitness concerns remain
Italy’s preparations have been complicated by lingering injury doubts, particularly involving Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Scamacca.
“Bastoni has trained partially with the team—we’ll test him again,” Gattuso explained. “Scamacca is still being evaluated. They’re the only real doubts.”
The rest of the squad, including players who had minor issues earlier in the week, are expected to be available.
Mentality above all
Gattuso stressed that beyond tactics, mentality will be the key factor in such a high-pressure encounter.
“In games like this, you need experience—but above all, you need to know how to suffer,” he said.
Italy, he warned, cannot afford to underestimate a Northern Ireland side built on intensity and physicality.
“They play direct football and attack second balls with aggression,” he noted. “On set pieces, they’re very dangerous.”
Learning from the past
Without dwelling on previous disappointments, Gattuso acknowledged that Italy’s recent failures to qualify for World Cups still linger in memory.
“Missing the last two World Cups was a shock,” he said. “But now it’s up to us to change that.”
His message to the players is simple: match the opponent’s hunger and stay fully focused from start to finish.
“They treat every ball like it’s the last of their lives,” he said of Northern Ireland. “We have to do the same.”
Retegui ready to lead the line
Alongside Gattuso, striker Mateo Retegui expressed confidence and pride ahead of the match.
“This is the most important game for all of us,” Retegui said. “We’re ready.”
The forward, who has been one of Italy’s most reliable scorers under Gattuso, emphasized the unity within the squad.
“We’re not competing against each other—we’re a family,” he added. “We all want the same thing.”
One chance, one objective
With no room for error, Italy’s path is clear: win, and move one step closer to the 2026 World Cup.
For Gattuso, it’s not just about tactics or preparation—it’s about belief.
“We are the architects of our own destiny,” he said. “Now we have to prove it.”
