Rossi: ‘Gattuso the right man’ for Italy to reach 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

Former Italy, Manchester United and Fiorentina star Giuseppe Rossi trusts Gennaro Gattuso can get players ‘pumped up’ for the World Cup play-offs. ‘He is the right coach.’

The Azzurri failed to earn their passage to the last two editions of the World Cup in 2018 and 2022, so missing a third consecutive tournament would be a disaster for Calcio.

They must now go into the play-offs, first against Northern Ireland, then either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina, to book a spot at the competition this summer in Canada, Mexico and the USA.

Rossi has faith in Gattuso and Italy

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)

Speaking to The Italian Football Podcast, Pepito Rossi was asked if he had belief that Italy would make it this time.

“Of course, I have big faith. Because we have the players, but we have the right coach for the right moment,” he insisted.

“Rino is someone who can motivate anybody and anything possible. Just having him and the energy that he brings every session.”

FLORENCE, ITALY – MAY 27: Giuseppe Rossi of Italy during a training session at Coverciano on May 27, 2014 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

It is not just Gattuso who represents the winning past of Italian football, but also his staff members like Gigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci.

“With that staff that he has, the players are gonna be so pumped, the players will be fighting for that shirt, to get that position in the World Cup. And we can’t wait to cheer on the boys,” said Rossi.

The Nazionale failed to qualify for the World Cup since 2014, having won it in 2006, but they have since lifted the European Championship trophy in 2021.