Argentina goalkeeper Martinez hits back at Gattuso: ‘They don’t know what South America is like’ | OneFootball

Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has fired back at Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, responding to the Azzurri boss’s recent comments about the World Cup qualifying format.

Speaking to DSports, with quotes via the Corriere dello Sport, the Argentina and Aston Villa goalkeeper stressed the unique difficulties of playing in South America compared to Europe:

“They always play on perfect, watered pitches… they don’t know what South America is like. There are other complexities they don’t see in Europe.”

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 27: Emiliano Martinez of Aston Villa makes a save off a shot from Andrea Cambiaso of Juventus during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Aston Villa FC and Juventus at Villa Park on November 27, 2024 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

Martinez hits back at Gattuso: ‘There are things they don’t see in Europe’

His words came after Gattuso had implied that South American qualification is less demanding due to its format, which allows six of ten teams to qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup.

In contrast, Europe’s runners-up face the pressure of the play-offs in March.

UDINE, ITALY – OCTOBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, looks on prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Israel at Stadio Friuli on October 14, 2025 in Udine, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

The coach pointed out the difficulties in qualifying as a European nation:

“In my day, the top team in each group would go through, plus the best runners-up. We’ve got 18 points, won six games, and still we have to go into another two matches to qualify. It doesn’t seem right.”

The respective remarks highlight the long-running debate over which confederation offers the tougher road to the World Cup.