Facing a Tough Road to World Cup 2026: Italy Under Gattuso
Determined Gattuso believes Italy capable of World Cup glory
Italy's ride to the World Cup 2026 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico isn't looking so smooth. The European team is on the verge of missing out on a third straight World Cup after a rocky start to their qualifying campaign. Their uninspiring performances left them nine points adrift of group leaders Norway, prompting the departure of the coach, Spalletti.
Asked about his hopes for making it to the finals, Gattuso—now in charge—expressed optimism, saying he has "conviction." Despite the tough odds, he insists that Italy has some of the top players in the world and boasts a competent squad. But it's all about working together as a team, according to the coach.
With only the group winner guaranteeing a spot in the World Cup, Italy faces a challenging journey. They have a poor goal difference, 12 goals worse than Norway, and a significant points deficit to make up. If they fall short of the top spot, the playoffs represent their only realistic path to qualification.
Gattuso acknowledges the need to revive the team's enthusiasm and instill a positive mentality, reminiscent of Italy's past glory. A World Cup winner in 2006 himself, Gattuso was originally not the Italian Football Federation's first choice to replace Spalletti. Legends like Claudio Ranieri passed on the opportunity, but buffon, Italy icon and head of the national team delegation, believes Gattuso has what it takes to surge past doubters and lead Italy to success.
Recent appointments and past coaching experiences suggest Gattuso has the potential to turn things around. Despite being fired by Hadjuk Split, he has also managed AC Milan and Napoli, claiming the Italian Cup with the latter five years ago. The team's early performance reflects some early stumbles but also progress, shown by the win against Moldova, giving Italy their first points of the qualifying campaign.
As Italy enters the qualifying stretch, the focus will shift to Gattuso's ability to inspire the team and harness their potential. Fans will eagerly await his first game in September, as Italy hosts Estonia in Bergamo and then faces Israel in Hungary. Only consistent wins and improved performances can help Italy fight their way back to the World Cup stage.
Italy may face a challenging path to the World Cup 2026, even considering the upcoming games against Estonia and Israel in Hungary, as they aim to overcome a significant points deficit and poor goal difference against group leaders Norway. However, with Gattuso's conviction, top-tier players, and a focus on teamwork, there's a glimmer of hope that Italy could qualify via the playoffs if they fall short of the group winner spot.
