La Russa: ‘Gattuso must thank Italy fans who jeer, not insult them’ | OneFootball

Politician Ignazio La Russa hit out at Gennaro Gattuso for complaining that Italy fans jeered during the 2-0 win over Moldova. ‘You must thank those who jeer, not insult them.’

The coach was not happy after last night’s 2-0 victory in Chisinau, not so much for the performance, but for the supporters in the stands who were losing patience.

It was not until the 88th minute that Gianluca Mancini opened the scoring, followed by a Francesco Pio Esposito header in stoppages.

Gattuso insisted he felt “disappointed and let down” by those who had chanted ‘go to work’ at his players when it was still goalless.

La Russa hits back at Gattuso criticism

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)

“We must all be united in hoping that Italy make it to the World Cup, but jeers from spectators can also act as motivation,” insisted politician La Russa at an event attended by Tuttomercatoweb.

“As long as it is not violent, then protest cannot be considered excessive. You cannot say ‘shame on you’ to a fan who jeers, you must thank him, because that represents the love he has for this team too.

“Of course, everyone should be invited to huddle round and support this Nazionale, seeing as we all hope they qualify for the World Cup.

“Other than that, I have the utmost respect for spectators, who have the duty to applaud, encourage and, when they feel like it, to jeer.”

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)

The Azzurri will be in action again at San Siro on Sunday when hosting Norway for the final game of Group I.

They already know that anything less than a 9-0 victory would see Norway top the group on goal difference, therefore sending Italy to the play-offs for a spot at the World Cup.