Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has called for maximum commitment from his side as the Azzurri aim to keep their 2026 World Cup qualification hopes alive, with direct qualification no longer entirely in their hands.
Italy, who are second in Group I after six games three points behind leaders Norway, play away against Moldova on Thursday before hosting Norway in Milan on Sunday. The Azzurri come into the double-header on the back of a memorable classic 5-4 win against Israel.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference shared via the teams <a href="http://<!– wp:paragraph –> <p>Meanwhile, Italian national team via its <a href="https://x.com/Azzurri_En/status/1987921749351268478?s=20">official X handle</a> shared exclusive video of Gattuso sharing his thoughts ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up against Norway and Moldova. Watch the video below:</p> official X handle, Gattuso outlined his expectations ahead of the fixtures
On Italy’s approach against Moldova, Gattuso said;
This won’t be a simple outing; I want to see maximum commitment to continue what we started in September. Against Moldova, we’ll try out players who haven’t had much playing time, but we have to think about ourselves and not about what Norway will do. The match against Moldova is the most important because the one against Norway is easier to prepare for.
On Norway’s threat he stated:
We know that this Norwegian team can cause us problems, with their speed, their physical presence, their exceptional style of football.
Meanwhile, Italian national team via its official X handle shared exclusive video of Gattuso sharing his thoughts ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers coming up against Norway and Moldova. Watch the video below:
On preparations and squad management, he said;
It’s up to us to do our best by scouting players both in Italy and abroad.The training camp initially considered to prepare for the playoffs at the end of March could not take place due to a lack of available slots in the schedule.
Softfootball understands that Gattuso earlier stressed that a lot is at stake and the team must be 100% focused if they are to stand any chance of qualifying for their first World Cup appearance since Brazil 2014.
Italy now turn their attention to Moldova, knowing that strong performances in their next two matches will be decisive if they are to secure a direct path to the 2026 World Cup.
