Italian manager Gennaro Gattuso is preparing for a nail-biting battle against Northern Ireland in March when the sides meet in the semi-finals of next year’s World Cup play-offs.
The Italians are attempting to return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014 after missing the last two tournaments in Russia and Qatar, both after play-off defeats.
Should the four-time world champion pass Northern Ireland, he will face a potential final against Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina to qualify for the football showpiece in North America.
“Northern Ireland are a physical team, they never give up,” Gattuso said Sky Sports Italy after the play-off draw on Thursday.
«We have to play it. I’ve been saying this for three months. We knew we had to get through the play-offs… We’re looking ahead with confidence.»
Italy fired former manager Luciano Spalletti in June. Although Gattuso led the side to two wins over Estonia and Israel, as well as a win against Moldova in its first five matches, it was still unable to achieve direct qualification.
Italy lost 4-1 to group winners Norway in their final qualifying match.
“Right now we have to work on our vulnerability, because we have proven that when we do things right, we are competitive,” says Gattuso, 47. «Of course you can’t afford to make mistakes like we did last night, but this is my priority: to improve this aspect.»
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held in Canada, Mexico and the United States from June 11 to July 19.
Published on November 21, 2025
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