Bonucci: ‘Italy objective is to attack and create chances’ after 5-0 victory | OneFootball

Leonardo Bonucci explains the tactical tweaks against Israel do not change the overall Italy approach. ‘Our objective is to attack and create chances.’

It kicks off at the Nagyerdei Stadion in Debrecen, Hungary, at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

You can follow all the build-up and action as it happens on the Liveblog.

The Azzurri made their debut under new coach Gennaro Gattuso on Friday in a 5-0 victory over Estonia.

He and his staff, including former Juventus and Milan defender Bonucci, have made some adjustments with Gianluca Mancini and Manuel Locatelli stepping in for Riccardo Calafiori and Mattia Zaccagni.

Bonucci outlines priority for Italy

BORDEAUX, FRANCE – JULY 02: Leonardo Bonucci of Italy celebrates scoring his team’s first goal from the penalty spot during the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter final match between Germany and Italy at Stade Matmut Atlantique on July 2, 2016 in Bordeaux, France. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

“Enthusiasm, spirit of sacrifice, team spirit is what we all saw on Friday, we must continue that all the way to the World Cup,” Bonucci told Sky Sport Italia.

“Our objective is to attack and create chances. Obviously, against a team like Israel whose strength is the counter-attack, we needed more balance in defence. We had a great performance on Friday and want to build on that.”

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to 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)

That was the first match not only for Gattuso on the Italy bench, but also for Bonucci as a member of his coaching staff.

“It was emotional, especially seeing what the lads did during the match, it really moved me. We tried to give them the instruments to put in a great performance, the lads were perfect throughout the last eight days in training and the match, now we want to close this first phase with another important victory.”