Gattuso Threatens Exile if Italy Fails World Cup: Reactions

The Italian coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has expressed his concern about the possibility of a new failure of the Italian national team in the World Cup qualifiers. In case Italy fails to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, Gattuso has hinted that he might be forced to “exile” himself. Gattuso, who took over the national team in June, has managed to revitalize Italian aspirations for the tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The 3-0 victory over Israel last Tuesday was Italy’s fourth consecutive win under Gattuso, securing a place in the qualifying playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.

If I manage to reach the goal, I will take the credit. Otherwise, I will go to live far from Italy.

Gennaro Gattuso

Gattuso, who currently resides in Marbella, Spain, added: “I am already a little far away, I will go even further. I am aware of the consequences.” Italy is three points behind Norway, leader of Group I. The “Azzurri” will play against Moldova on November 13 and will receive Norway three days later in their last qualifying match. Despite the pressure of leading a four-time world champion team, Gattuso feels honored to be in charge.

• “It’s a dream to be here and it’s true,” Gattuso stated.
• “There were people with more experience than me, and that’s why I accepted this call with great responsibility. I must 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 score 16 goals, but the merit is the players’. I have little credit”.
• “We need to continue on this path. Yes, we work very hard and sleep very little, but we do it, also, because when victories arrive, it feels very good”.