‘Gattuso must be supported’ in World Cup play-off, says ex-Italy star | OneFootball

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.

Zola: Italy ‘can’t afford’ to miss out on World Cup

LONDON, ENGLAND – OCTOBER 17: Gianfranco Zola is seen prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between England and Italy at Wembley Stadium on October 17, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images)

“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.

MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Referee, Alejandro Hernandez, shows a yellow card to Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, during 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)

“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.”