How Gattuso is trying to re-create a solid Italy group in World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has given a lot of attention to creating a solid group off the pitch as the Azzurri prepare for the World Cup qualifying playoff: here’s how.

The former midfielder took over in June to replace Luciano Spalletti and earned four wins in his opening four games in charge.

Multiple sources in Italy, including Repubblica, claim that Gattuso is putting a lot of effort into creating a united and cohesive group, which is what Italy lacked under his predecessor.

It is no secret that many Azzurri stars were no longer in sync with Spalletti when the Tuscan was sacked earlier this year so Gattuso hopes to avoid some mistakes made in the past.

Italy are preparing for the World Cup qualifying playoffs, given that Norway are likely to win Group I and qualify for the 2026 World Cup thanks to a better goal difference.

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)

Italy lost their first group stage game to Norway in June, costing Spalletti the job, but most football betting websites predict the Azzurri will qualify for the competition that will be held next summer in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

So, how is Gattuso trying to build a solid group at Coverciano?

Italy winger Orsolini recently discussed the matter at a press conference attended by Football Italia in November.

“When Gattuso arrived, he immediately brought a breath of fresh air in terms of enthusiasm; perhaps the team was dejected before,” the Bologna star admitted.

“What I can say is that the coch gave us serenity and calmness. The only way to make it is through hard work, enthusiasm, intense training sessions and when you have this mentality and lightheartedness, you create a strong mentality to play for what everyone dreams of.”

Gattuso is aware that he won’t have much time to reach his target as the playoffs will be played during the next international break in March 2026.

This means that the Azzurri will reunite in Coverciano in four months, but Gattuso hopes to see some of his players before that.

Italy celebrate during the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Estonia in Tallinn (@azzurri)

Although it will be challenging to gather the team for tactical drills at the Azzurri’s training ground, Ringhio already has a plan to make the players stick together.

“We might be able to find some time in February to stay here for one or two days, hopefully. The schedules are full,” Gattuso said.

“We’ll have to do our best, go visit the players, have dinner with them and manage it that way. We’re working on it. Serie A is also trying to help us, but it’s very difficult. We’re at Matchday 11 and we’ll again around Matchday 30. It’s a very long time, we know it, that’s the situation.”