Gattuso chose Bergamo over San Siro for Italy’s World Cup play-off with Northern Ireland | OneFootball

According to Football Italia, Gennaro Gattuso says he personally selected Bergamo over San Siro for Italy’s World Cup play-off semi-final with Northern Ireland, hoping to create a cauldron-like atmosphere.

Italy will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo on Thursday, March 26. The tie will be played at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena, a 25,000-seat stadium that also staged Gattuso’s first match as Italy head coach against Estonia last September.

Gattuso thanked FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and delegation chief Gigi Buffon for allowing him to decide the venue.

He argued that in a 60,000-seat arena such as San Siro, where Inter and Milan supporters are present, a few misplaced passes might bring boos, and that a smaller ground is more likely to deliver a better atmosphere.

He added that Thursday is the only target, the rest is in the past, and he thinks Italy have a great chance.

Source: Football Italia