Italy enters a high-stakes World Cup qualifying semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, desperate to avoid missing a third consecutive tournament while grappling with a significant injury crisis and national self-doubt.
Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy squad hosts Northern Ireland in Bergamo under immense pressure to end a twelve-year World Cup absence.
Following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, Gattuso has stabilized the Azzurri, yet recent heavy defeats to Norway have reignited fears of another failure.
Italy has not reached a knockout match since 2010, and missing the 2026 finals is viewed by many as a potential “death knell.”
Preparations are hampered by injuries to key players, including Sandro Tonali and Riccardo Calafiori, while Federico Chiesa has already been ruled unfit.
Gattuso is urging a positive mindset despite the tension and a struggling domestic league presence in Europe.
Addressing the squad’s morale, Gattuso told reporters, “I really hope with all my heart that we can reach this goal, this group of players deserves it.”