Sports
‘Gattuso must be supported’ in 2026 World Cup play-off, says ex-Italy star
UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
Gianfranco Zola feels Gennaro Gattuso must be ‘supported, even by luck’ and that everyone ‘has to play a role’ as Italy prepare for the 2026 World Cup play-off.
Italy will meet Northern Ireland in the 2026 World Cup play-off semifinal on March 26, 2026, and, if they progress to the final, they’ll face Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy already failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, and Zola can’t fathom a repeat of that scenario.
“The history of our football can’t afford this, and therefore, everyone, including the press, has to play a role and help create the right atmosphere,” he told Gazzetta.
“We’re not to be thrown away, and we weren’t before either, but we have to be there, because having already missed two was a heavy blow. Gattuso must be supported, even by luck. Some strikers can bolster the attacking strength, which is already significant with Kean and Retegui.”
Zola: Italy ‘can’t afford’ to miss out on World Cup
