Locatelli reveals Gattuso warning and feels ‘Italy responsibility’ | OneFootball

Manuel Locatelli reveals what Gennaro Gattuso said during Italy’s 2-0 win over Northern Ireland and feels ‘responsible for all those children out there’ supporting the Azzurri.

The Nazionale took a step closer to participation in the 2026 World Cup by winning the semi-final in Bergamo, thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali and Moise Kean.

They still have to play in the final away from home on Tuesday March 31, but don’t yet know who against, because Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina have gone to extra time following their 1-1 draw.

Locatelli feels Italy responsibility

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Manuel Locatelli and Federico Gatti of Italy embrace after the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“We haven’t taken a weight off our shoulders yet, because we still have a play-off final to play,” Locatelli told RAI Sport.

“We haven’t achieved anything yet. It was a bit of a tense start, but the second half was much better. Now we need to play another great final.”

It remains to be seen who that will be against, because Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina have gone to extra time after their semi-final ended 1-1.

Gattuso said that Locatelli was too deep in the first half and pressed close to the defensive line.

“I had the feeling on the pitch that I could help the team more from there, but the coach told me to get into a more advanced role, and we did better in the second half,” replied the Juventus midfielder.

Italy were the favourites going in, but Locatelli reveals what Gattuso told his squad at half-time.

BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 26: Players of Italy sing the national anthem prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Italy and Northern Ireland at Stadio di Bergamo on March 26, 2026 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

“The coach said: ‘You didn’t think it was going to be easy, did you?’ We must always have this unity and solidity, because hard work pays off in the end.

“We expected it to be tough, we are a great side and Gattuso is our leader. We are truly united, also thanks to all the suffering we’ve been through in recent years.

“Now there can be no alibis, we must play a great final. We need character, players who want the ball and have positive words for their teammates. We showed patience to break them down and we did it in the end. We also thank the fans for their patience today.”

Italy have missed out on the last two editions of the World Cup after losing play-offs in 2018 and 2022, so there are entire generations who never watched the Azzurri participate on the biggest stage in football.

“We know full well that we are responsible for all those children out there and the entire Italian football movement. We are certainly not lacking in motivation,” concluded Locatelli.