Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso warns that Northern Ireland are a team that ‘never gives up’ but insists the Azzurri are still ‘fragile’ and Federico Chiesa has ‘a problem.’
Gattuso spoke to Sky Sport Italia after Thursday’s World Cup play-off draw.
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The Azzurri have been paired with Northern Ireland in the semi-final, which they will play at home on March 26, 2026.
The potential Final will be away on March 31 against the winner between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Gattuso reacts to Italy World Cup draw
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)
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“It’s a physical team; they never give up,” Gattuso said about Northern Ireland.
“We have to play it. I’ve been saying this for three months. We knew we had to go through the playoffs; we knew our path had to improve. We look ahead with confidence.”
There are rumours that the Italian federation wants to organise a get-together at Coverciano a few weeks before the semifinal, but it might prove to be tricky due to a packed fixture list for clubs.
“It’s not up to me. We have a President, and there are people dealing with these things. Of course, the more days we have to be together, the better,” said Gattuso.
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“It’s Round 11 in Serie A, the 12 is about to begin, and we’ll meet again in Round 30. From my perspective, I must think about how to remain in touch with the players, look them in the eyes and talk to them, not just about football, but about other things too. Hopefully, we’ll do things the right way.”
Gattuso on Italy and Chiesa’s problem
EMPOLI, ITALY – JUNE 9: Federico Chiesa of Italy in action during the International Friendly match between Italy and Bosnia Herzegovina at Stadio Carlo Castellani on June 9, 2024 in Empoli, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
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Gattuso has used different formations so far, but insisted that the Azzurri’s main issue is not tactical.
“The problem is not tactical. Every system has pros and cons,” he argued.
“Right now, we must work on our fragility because we’ve proved that when we do things right, we are competitive. Of course, you can afford to make mistakes as we did the other night, but this is my priority: improve this aspect. There will be time to think about systems. We’ll study Northern Ireland in the best way. Hopefully, we’ll do as little damage as possible.”
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BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
Asked whether Federico Chiesa will return to the national team for the playoffs next year, Gattuso replied: “You know it well. You know Chiesa’s problem. You always ask me the same thing. I call Chiesa in every call-up; I always talk to him. The problem is not Gattuso or his staff; he has a problem, not us. You know it well. You always ask the same thing, and I always answer the same.”
The Italian tactician said earlier this month that Chiesa had already rejected national team call-ups while he was in charge.
