The Italian coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has expressed the possibility of going into exile if the Azzurri fails to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The 2006 world champion took over the reins of Italy in June and has helped revitalize their chances of reaching next year’s tournament, which will be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 3-0 victory over Israel on Tuesday was Italy’s fourth consecutive win under Gattuso, securing a place in the qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup. I will take the credit if I manage to reach the goal, otherwise I will go to live far from Italy.
Italy hasn’t played in a World Cup since 2014.
Photo: Getty Images
“I’m already a little far away [with his residence in Marbella, Spain], I’ll go even further. The consequence is that I’m aware of it,” added the 47-year-old coach. Italy is three points away from Norway, leader of Group I. The Azzurri will play in Moldova on November 13 and will receive Norway three days later in their last group qualifying match. Gattuso, despite the pressure of coaching the four-time world champions, said he feels honored to be in charge. “I’ve said it before, it’s a dream to be here and it’s true,” Gattuso affirmed. “There were people with more experience than me, with more experience, and that’s why I accepted this call with great responsibility. I have to thank the Federation, its president [Gabriele Gravina], and [the head of the Italian delegation Gianluigi] Buffon. I didn’t think I would lead the team to 16 goals, but the merit is the players’. I have little credit.” “We have to keep going down this path. Yes, we work very hard and sleep very little, but we also do this because when the victories arrive, it feels very good.”
