Gattuso: ‘Quality is not enough’ for Italy in 2026 World Cup qualifiers | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso warned ‘quality is not enough’ for Italy to get the better of Israel in the World Cup qualifier tonight. ‘We need mentality, hunger, and a sense of belonging.’

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.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first goal 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)

The Nazionale made their debut under the new coach with a 5-0 victory against Estonia on Friday, but are still playing catch-up in World Cup qualifying Group I.

If nothing else, it has already sparked a wave of enthusiasm and love for the Gattuso figure, who has the same attitude as when he was a player.

“The players are the ones who have to win over the fans, not me. We’ve done nothing yet, we need to build on that performance, with the right mentality, hunger, quality of football, and this is already a big test for us,” Gattuso told RAI Sport.

“We showed great hunger and intensity against Estonia. I saw it in training too, we need to keep going along this path.”

Gattuso sees danger for Italy

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)

Israel have won six of their last seven matches and the only defeat was 4-2 to group leaders Norway.

“Aside from their results, they are a difficult team to play against. They can really cause problems with the transitions, so we must be able to sense danger and be ready. That’ll be the key.”

There are two changes, with Gianluca Mancini and Manuel Locatelli coming in for Riccardo Calafiori and injured Mattia Zaccagni, but Mateo Retegui and Moise Kean start together again upfront.

“If we find the right balance, then it can be done. The players have quality, it’s up to me and my staff to find the right solution. Kean and Retegui dialogue well together, they work hard off the ball too. So we’ll see if we’ll repeat it.

“It’s not about numbers, it’s about finding the right balance.”

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)

Israel are wearing black armbands today after the terrorist attack on a bus stop in Jerusalem, with coach Ran Ben Simon reiterating the importance of playing for their people.

“It is our duty to keep hope alive for qualification too,” replied Gattuso.

“We’re sad they are going through this difficult time. We want peace, not just for this war, but all the wars around the world. We play for ourselves and for our fans.”

Italy have not qualified for the last two editions of the World Cup, although they did win EURO 2020 during that fallow period.

“Those who win celebrate, those who lose have to explain. We know we’ve been doing a lot of explaining lately,” concluded Gattuso.

“The players are well aware of what we must do and we need to be a team, because you become champions with heart, a sense of belonging, with everyone giving 100 per cent. Quality is not enough.”