Gattuso ‘cannot accept’ Italy insults and is critical of World Cup system | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso defended Italy’s performance in a hard-fought 2-0 win over Moldova and ‘cannot accept’ insulting chants from supporters.

It was tough to create much enthusiasm in Chisinau, as Norway beat Estonia 4-1 in the early game, confirming that the Azzurri would not be able to catch them at the top of Group I.

There were also numerous changes including a 4-4-2 formation, but while they dominated possession and chances, the momentum fizzled out.

It was only when the substitutes came on that things sparked up, at the 88th minute Gianluca Mancini’s diving header opening the scoring, followed by a Francesco Pio Esposito effort in stoppages.

Gattuso angry at Italy criticism

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on 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)

“What do you mean this wasn’t the best Italy performance? I saw the lads dominating the match, Moldova never had a shot on target,” Gattuso told RAI Sport when asked about the game.

“If you were expecting an 11-1 like Moldova had against Norway, then that is not my problem. There are no easy matches.”

There were not many supporters in the stands in Chisinau, but some of them did protest towards the end when it was still goalless.

“I feel bad about what I heard from the crowd today, chants telling us to get to work. This is when we must remain united, the team is doing what they need to do. Coming away from home and hearing 500-odd fans insulting the players, I do not accept that.”

It was only when the substitutes came on that Italy sprung to life, either scoring or providing the assists.

“It’s fine, putting 11 new players out from the start is difficult. I felt within myself we could even lose today with so many changes, but I tip my hat to them, they did better than I expected,” insisted Gattuso.

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)

It is the first time ever that Italy have won six games in a World Cup qualifying group, but it won’t be enough, because Norway have won all seven and have a goal difference of +29 to +12. Isn’t it a little odd that the Azzurri therefore have to go through the play-offs?

“That is not a question for me, it is for whoever draws up the rules and the groups. In 1994 there were two African teams in the World Cup, now there have to be many and it keeps expanding,” replied Gattuso.

“In my day, the top team in each group would go through, plus the best runners-up. We’ve got 18 points, won six games, and still we have to go into another two matches to qualify. It doesn’t seem right.”

Italy will host Norway at San Siro on Sunday, but even with a victory to catch them on points, it is practically impossible to overturn the extraordinary goal difference gap.

That means they are already looking ahead to the play-offs, which will begin with a semi-final in March 2026.