Milan, Italy - Following a surprising 4-1 defeat to Norway in their final 2026 World Cup qualifying match, Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso delivered a rousing, if unconventional, message to his players in the dressing room, seeking to bolster their confidence ahead of a crucial playoff run.
Despite the disappointing result, which forces Italy into the World Cup playoffs for the third consecutive qualification cycle-having previously missed out in 2018 and 2022-Gattuso opted for encouragement over criticism. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport and reported by Football Italia on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, Gattuso directly addressed his squad, asking, “We are strong, you are strong.Will you convince yourself?”
The emphasis on self-belief comes as Italy faces the looming possibility of missing a third straight World Cup. Gattuso acknowledged the psychological hurdle facing his team, recognizing a potential disconnect between their physical capabilities and mental state. “You have to be sure,” he reportedly continued, urging his players to regain conviction.
Italy is seeded in Pot 1 for the playoff semifinals, scheduled for March 26, 2026, and will face one of Romania, Northern Ireland, Sweden, or North Macedonia. A victory in the semifinals would advance them to the playoff final five days later.
