Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is urging his team to keep up their momentum as they prepare to face Israel in a World Cup qualifier. Following a big win against Estonia, Gattuso wants the team to stay focused and enthusiastic to secure a spot in the World Cup for the first time since 2014. He highlights the need to adapt their tactics for the match against Israel, emphasizing the importance of controlling the game and maintaining balance.
Gennaro Gattuso, the new head coach of the Italian national team, has called for consistency and sustained enthusiasm as his squad prepares for a crucial World Cup qualifier against Israel. Following a resounding victory over Estonia, Gattuso aims to build on the positive momentum and solidify Italy's chances of reaching the World Cup for the first time since 2014.
Italy's dominant 5-0 win against Estonia marked a significant improvement compared to their performances under previous manager Luciano Spalletti. The match, held at Gewiss Stadium, saw standout performances from several players, including Mateo Retegui and Giacomo Raspadori, who contributed two assists and a goal. This emphatic win has instilled a sense of optimism within the team and among Italian football fans.
Currently, Italy occupies the third position in Group I, trailing leaders Norway by six points. The Azzurri will not face Norway until the November international break, making their upcoming matches against Israel and other group opponents crucial for closing the gap. Gattuso understands the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere within the squad to achieve their qualification goals.
"For me, what we need to create is enthusiasm, letting the players train with a smile on their faces, without weighing them down with pressure," Gattuso stated. His emphasis on fostering a joyful and relaxed training environment reflects his belief in the power of positive motivation. He recognizes that building team spirit and camaraderie is essential for long-term success.
"They stepped up and proved themselves ready, now we have to reap what we have sown," Gattuso added, highlighting the players' commitment and readiness to embrace his tactical approach. He acknowledges the progress made during the initial training sessions and friendly matches, emphasizing the need to translate this preparation into tangible results on the field.
"It’s good to have this atmosphere around us, but we’ve got to keep it going until next summer. It’s too easy to talk now, we are only in the first week. If it lasts, that will mean we have done well," Gattuso cautioned, urging his team to remain grounded and focused on their long-term objectives. He emphasizes the importance of sustaining their positive momentum throughout the entire qualification campaign.
Gattuso’s thoughts ahead of tomorrow’s clash #ISRITA #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/B2vxvJSXY6
— Italy (@Azzurri_En) September 7, 2025
Looking ahead to the match against Israel, Gattuso acknowledged the unique challenges posed by their opponents, who typically employ a five-at-the-back defensive formation. He expressed his willingness to adapt Italy's tactical approach to counter Israel's strengths and exploit their weaknesses.
"It is a match where we need to be very wary of their transitions, as they’ve got players with pep, pace and quality," Gattuso emphasized, highlighting the importance of defensive vigilance and tactical awareness. He recognizes Israel's ability to launch quick counter-attacks and the need for his team to minimize turnovers in dangerous areas.
"We worked with having two centre-forwards, but that’s not the issue, it’s how to play the ball in their own half and control the match," Gattuso explained, indicating his tactical flexibility and willingness to experiment with different formations. He believes that controlling possession and dictating the tempo of the game will be crucial for Italy's success against Israel.
"The two strikers can work, but we must always seek balance. These are two players who work hard to connect and give the team depth," Gattuso added, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a balanced and cohesive team structure. He believes that the key to success lies in the players' ability to work together effectively and contribute to both the attacking and defensive phases of the game.
"It will be a totally different match to the one we had on Friday, as the characteristics of Israel and Estonia are totally different," Gattuso concluded, reiterating the need for Italy to adapt their approach based on the specific strengths and weaknesses of each opponent. He acknowledges that the match against Israel will present a unique set of challenges compared to their previous encounter with Estonia.
In summary, Gattuso's primary focus is on instilling consistency, enthusiasm, and tactical flexibility within the Italian national team as they embark on their World Cup qualification campaign. He recognizes the importance of maintaining a positive atmosphere, adapting to different opponents, and fostering a cohesive team structure to achieve their ultimate goal of reaching the World Cup in 2026.