Gattuso: ‘Italy must think positive and not talk about fear’ of World Cup | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso warns Italy must ‘not talk about fear, but think positive’ in the World Cup play-off against Northern Ireland, but at the same time ‘respect’ their opponents.

It kicks off at the New Balance Arena in Bergamo at 19.45 GMT (20.45 CET).

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

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

The winner will be decided tonight after 90 minutes, extra time, or even a penalty shoot-out.

Whoever goes through can then face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final on Tuesday March 31.

Gattuso calls for Italy positive thinking

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)

Gattuso personally picked the Bergamo venue because he wanted the fans to be more supportive compared to bigger venues like San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico.

“We know it will start with a wonderful atmosphere, but then it’s up to us to show that we’re keeping that up and in the game,” the coach told RAI Sport.

It is beyond doubt that Italy are stronger on paper than Northern Ireland, but that can be a double-edged sword.

“When it comes to set plays, it all starts from scratch, they are very strong in these situations, and we must respect them,” noted Gattuso.

“In open play, we’ve got more, but we must not under-estimate them. What we need is patience. It is not a scandal, they believe in themselves and it is no fluke that Germany and Slovakia struggled to 1-0 wins over them in qualifying.

“Northern Ireland are tough, even if they aren’t that showy a team.”

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)

Francesco Pio Esposito is on the bench, as Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui are chosen to lead the attack.

“We’re in good shape there, but what matters is having strikers who can also help develop the moves against a physically strong defence. We need to reach the final third in the right way to find those spaces.”

Considering Italy missed the World Cup in 2018 and 2022 by losing the play-offs to opponents who were weaker on paper, how can they turn fear into courage?

“The best thing is not to talk about fear,” replied Gattuso. “We must think positive, as many of these players were here four years ago, they know what they went through. Everyone must give 150 per cent.

“I can assure you, throughout this week, we never said the word fear. I am convinced that tonight people will be passionate and put themselves in front of the television cheering us on wildly.

“It is still up to us, we gave the fans so much disappointment and they are hungry for some joy.”

There will be a minute’s silence before kick-off for former Italy, Bologna, Napoli and Atalanta striker Beppe Savoldi.