Italy Needs a Mentality Shift to Prevent Another World Cup Exclusion, Claims Gattuso
Fresh Take:
Football powerhouse Italy is in a tight spot, with their World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign hanging in the balance after a dismal start. Enter Gennaro Gattuso, the no-nonsense, gritty midfielder turned coach, who's ready to flex his muscles and lead the Azzurri out of the crisis.
Stepping into the shoes of the ousted Luciano Spalletti, Gattuso knows he's got his work cut out for him. Italy's near-impossible mission: qualify for a World Cup for the third straight time, a challenge made toughest by a 3-0 drubbing in Norway, the team's opening qualifier.
"No easy task, but nothing in life ever is," Gattuso shrugged at his presentation. "We've got some serious work to do."
The new coach wants to peel back the layers and delve deep into the minds of his players, who he suspects have the talent to make Italy great again. The goal? A return to the World Cup, "the most fundamental part of the equation."
Gattuso isn't one to shy away from adversity. He's won championships and faced (and conquered) top-tier opponents. And with the Italian soccer federation president, Gabriele Gravina, urging the new coach to dig deep, show determination, and exhibit his spirit of sacrifice, Gattuso is ready to take the reins.
Now, Gattuso's focus turns to rebuilding the squad, starting with the injured players. He wants these players to rally, even in their downtime, and communicate with the team's physical therapists and medical staff, to work together and push past their limits.
Gattuso's already been in touch with 35 players, including Federico Chiesa. The young dynamo was a standout during Italy's Euro 2021 victory, but has struggled with playing time since leaving Juventus and joining Liverpool. Gattuso has a message for Chiesa: find a way to play more regularly, and fire up the Azzurri's engine.
One player Gattuso won't be calling is 37-year-old defender Francesco Acerbi, who declined the invite to the Norway match. Acerbi was supposed to shadow Erling Haaland, Norway's dangerous striker. Gattuso respects Acerbi's decision but has opted to bring in younger, potentially more dynamic players.
Gattuso will lead Italy on the pitch for the first time against Estonia on September 5th, followed by Israel and a rematch against Norway. The suspense is high, as Italy races against time to secure a spot in the World Cup, set to be held in Canada, Mexico, and the USA in 2026.
Regardless of the challenges ahead, Gattuso epitomizes resilience, determination, and the fighting spirit that's synonymous with Italian football. With these qualities guiding him, there's a renewed sense of hope for the Azzurri.
- Italy's soccer federation president, Gabriele Gravina, hopes that Gennaro Gattuso, the new coach, will display resilience, determination, and a spirit of sacrifice, traits synonymous with Italian football, as they strive to qualify for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
- In the European leagues, the Champions League has captured the attention of many, but Gattuso's focus lies solely on rebuilding the Azzurri squad, starting with the injured players, in an attempt to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup.
- As they race against time, Gattuso will make his debut as coach of the Italian national football team against Estonia on September 5th, followed by matches against Israel and Norway, crucial fixtures in their World Cup qualifying campaign.
- Despite Gattuso's emphasis on teamwork and communication, some key players, like Federico Chiesa, have been struggling to secure regular playing time, a challenge Gattuso hopes Chiesa can overcome if the Azzurri are to regain their greatness in the global sports arena.
