Rino Gattuso reveals Italy are feeling the pressure ahead of World Cup play-offs | OneFootball

Italy’s National Team coach, Gennaro Gattuso, has openly acknowledged the tremendous weight of expectation resting on the Azzurri as they head into the crucial World Cup qualification playoffs. Speaking from Washington, D.C., where he was attending the World Cup final draw—an event where Italy was notably represented by a placeholder ‘X’ pending their playoff success—Gattuso delivered a candid assessment of the task ahead.

The grim reality of missing the previous two World Cup tournaments hangs heavy over the squad, generating a level of intensity and pressure that the coach has clearly embraced. He views the upcoming matches not just as sporting contests, but as a critical moment for the entire Italian football ecosystem.

The coach was direct about the weight of expectation on the squad and the vital importance of succeeding in the final hurdle, recognizing that a third consecutive failure to qualify would be a devastating blow to the nation’s football identity and infrastructure.

“In the last two editions, we haven’t gone to the World Cup, we will certainly have great pressure. Respect for everyone, fear of no one. We know we have a semi-final, it is played over 90 minutes. We hope to be ready. Securing the pass in March will be fundamental for our football, for our system. A few years ago it was unthinkable not to see Italy in a final phase of a World Cup for two editions in a row. We have a great responsibility, we must do everything to succeed in playing in this one.”

Gattuso insists that while the team respects all potential opponents, there is no fear, only a profound sense of duty to deliver on the biggest stage. He stressed the urgent need for the team to perform and secure their passage, stating that the success of the entire system is intrinsically linked to qualification in March. This message underscores the serious nature of the situation and the coach’s determination to rally his players for what is arguably the most important challenge facing Italian football today.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN