The new Italian coach will make his big debut on the bench against Estonia on Friday.
The new coach of Italy Gennaro Gattuso is “Raised like a hello” Before his first two matches at the head of the Nazional in the playoffs for the World-2026, Friday against Estonia and three days later against Israel.
Questioned Monday at a press conference on his state of mind with his beginnings in charge of the Nazional, Gattuso replied: “I went back like a hello”.
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“I have been since the first day, I also feel the weight of my responsibilities because I have worn this jersey, but we will take stock at the end. One thing is certain, I’m not afraid ”insisted the former AC Milan midfielder and selection.
“Let’s take the matches one after the other, thinking of doing things well. Our story shows that we have not won much matches with a goalfall ”continued the 2006 world champion, before facing Estonia, 126th in the FIFA classification, which has pocketed only one point in four matches in these qualifications.
“We have to enter the field with authority and pride, but we cannot think of this match with the objective of scoring the most goals as possible”warned «Rino».
Gattuso, whose coach career was hitherto without brilliance, succeeded Luciano Spalletti in June, licensed after the rout of Italy in Oslo (3-0) at the opening of his qualifying campaign for the 2012 World Cup.
Italy is third in group I with three points, nine lengths from Norway which has played two more matches.
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The country which will finish at the top of this group will be qualified directly for the next World Cup, its runner -up to go through the dams, a stage which was fatal at the Nazionale for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
Italy’s World Cup Qualification: A Statistical Overview
To provide a deeper understanding of Italy’s current situation and the challenges ahead, let’s examine key statistical data points. This table highlights essential data points, offering crucial context for the team’s performance and the impact of recent changes, specifically under the new leadership of Gennaro Gattuso.
| Metric | Current Status/Comparison | Key Implications |
| ——————————— | —————————————————————————————————————————— | —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————– |
| FIFA Ranking (Italy) | Historically Top 10; currently fluctuating. Updated: Check FIFA.com for latest data. | A higher ranking typically indicates stronger opponents and difficulty of overcoming them, making World Cup qualification more challenging. |
| Group I Standing | Third place | Italy must improve to reach the top of group to ensure a direct qualifying spot to the World Cup ⚽. Runner-up faces the play-offs, historically a risky endeavor for Italy. |
| Points Differential (vs. Norway) | 9 points behind Norway with two fewer total matches played | Recovery to bridge this gap against Norway and other strong teams is of absolute importance. |
| Goals Scored/Conceded (Qualifiers) | Data: Review the most updated games played data | Goal difference is a critical tie-breaker. A strong goal differential in vital matches is essential for securing qualification spots and increasing Italy’s position. |
| past Goal Scoring trends | Italy has traditionally been a tactically strong team, often emphasizing defensive compactness before all matches | Goals are always necessary to win the game, and a goalscoring deficit makes it harder to win. |
| Gattuso’s Predecessor | Luciano Spalletti | A change in leadership often signifies an effort toward change and to evolve into a modern, well-rounded team, but also suggests problems in the previous management. |
| Estonia’s FIFA Ranking | FIFA Ranking 126th. | Playing and winning against lower-ranked teams are necessary for winning a World Cup spot. |
This table provides a data-driven snapshot, essential for evaluating Italy’s progress and understanding the upcoming challenges. This data underscores the need for Gazzuso and Italy to work diligently through all matches.
FAQ: Navigating Italy’s World Cup Journey
This SEO-kind FAQ section addresses common queries, providing clarity and improving search engine visibility.
Q: What is Italy’s current status in the World Cup 2026 qualification?
A: Italy is currently third in Group I, and must overtake a team to secure a spot for the World Cup.
Q: What are Italy’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup?
A: Qualification chances are, as of the last match, uncertain. Italy must win their qualifying matches. The direct qualification can be gained by winning the spot for the World Cup. If Italy finishes second in group I, they will be playing the dam.
Q: Who is the current coach of the Italian national team?
A: Gennaro Gattuso is the current coach of the Italian national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti.
Q: What is the significance of the matches against Estonia and Israel?
A: These matches are critical in determining Italy’s position in Group I, and in the team’s journey towards a potential World Cup spot.
Q: What strategy is Gattuso likely to implement?
A: Given his background and statements, Gattuso will likely focus on solidifying Italy’s defense.