Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has urged his players to remain focused amid what he described as a “challenging atmosphere” ahead of next week’s World Cup qualifier against Israel. The Azzurri are set to play Estonia in Tallinn on Saturday before hosting Israel at the Stadio Friuli in Udine next Tuesday, Softfootball reports.
Gattuso has made a strong start to his coaching tenure with two wins in two gaames, though the most remorable victory yet a 5-4 victory over Israel in Hungary in September was anything but easy as a last-minute goal from Sandro Tonali sealed the win for the Azurris.
Speaking to the press via the team’s official media page, The former AC Milan midfielder and coach acknowledged that the situation surrounding the match is far from ideal, but stressed the importance of keeping concentration high as Italy aim to continue their perfect start under his management, he said;
We need to work with concentration and not get caught up in everything that’s coming from outside. The atmosphere is certainly not great, but we need to focus on doing our part.
Due to recent demonstrations across parts of Italy, local authorities have opted to tighten security for the game in Udine, with attendance expected to be lower than usual. Gattuso said he understands the circumstances but insisted that his team must play through the distractions, he noted;
We’re going to Udine and we know there won’t be many fans — I understand that. We also know that we have to play, otherwise we’ll be given an automatic 3-0 defeat.
Softfootball understands Gattuso had earlier emphasized that a lot is at stake for his side, especially after Italy failed to qualify for the last edition of the World Cup. The four-time champions are determined to restore pride and reestablish themselves among football’s elite nations.
On the sporting front, Italy currently sit second in Group I with nine points, level with Israel but with a game in hand while Norway lead the group on 15 points. Gattuso’s reign has started brightly , though his side’s 5-4 victory over Israel in September exposed some defensive lapses. Reflecting on that encounter, the coach admitted his team still have plenty of work to do to tighten up and manage games more efficiently, he said;
There are many things we need to fix. It’s not just about the defence, but about being able to sniff out danger in all areas of the pitch. At the same time, there are also many positives. We were the ones who allowed Israel back into the game and we were lucky to take the result home. We’ve got to improve our attitude — it’s not about the tactical system.
Meanwhile, Italy football via its official X handle, shared an exclusive video showing that the azurris are already in camp and have begun preparations for the crucial match against Isreal amid the pressure and the situation surrounding this particular fixture, this shows that the italian are fully focused on the clash ahead. They posted;
Despite the distractions and pressure surrounding the upcoming games, Gattuso’s message remains clear, that the 4 time world champions must stay united, focused, and determined as they look to take another step toward returning to the biggest tournament in world football.
