Rome, Sep 9 (AP)
Unpredictable own goals, unusual defensive blunders, and general chaos dominated Italy's recent World Cup qualifying match. Despite these issues, the Azzurri displayed a lot of attacking prowess. If appointing Gennaro Gattuso as head coach was meant to bring structure and discipline back to Italy's team, especially with the looming threat of missing a third consecutive World Cup, there's still work to be done.
Italy clinched a wild 5-4 victory over Israel, a match that Gattuso described as “the craziest game I've been involved with as a coach.” Gattuso stated, “But that's my fault, not the players’. If we want to play in a certain style, we need to excel at it. Our obsession with attacking was reckless, and Israel capitalized on the counter every time.” Italy's win was secured in stoppage time when Sandro Tonali scored a stunning goal, following two own goals that assisted Israel.
Yet, it was a crucial victory, adding three points to the board after Italy's impressive 5-0 win against Estonia in Gattuso's debut match in charge.
Italy on course for another playoff Italy’s recent results propelled them ahead of Israel into second place in their qualifying group. Leading the group, Norway has maintained a perfect record with 12 points from four matches, while Italy follows with nine points from four games, narrowly ahead of Israel, also on nine points but with an inferior goal differential.
Group victory is the only path to guaranteed qualification for next year's tournament in North America. The second-placed team faces the playoffs, a stage where Italy was eliminated by both Sweden and North Macedonia, missing the 2018 and 2022 World Cups.
At least Italy is now set up for playoff contention, having initially faltered with a 3-0 loss to Norway. With Erling Haaland’s Norway continuing their strong form, Italy must achieve flawless results in their remaining qualifiers and significantly boost their goal differential— the first tiebreaker before a potentially decisive final against Norway at the San Siro in November.
Before Tuesday’s match, Norway's goal differential stood at +11 compared to Italy's +5.
Calafiori benching questioned Gattuso faced criticism for benching Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori against Israel, with center backs Gianluca Mancini and Alessandro Bastoni struggling to contain Manor Solomon’s runs through their defense. Injuries sidelined Napoli center back Alessandro Buongiorno, and veteran Francesco Acerbi seemed to end his Italy tenure after declining an invitation for the Norway clash under former coach Spalletti.
Additionally, Manchester City’s Gianluigi Donnarumma and Juventus midfielder Manuel Locatelli committed notable errors.
“We’re a crazy team because we’re too fragile and concede silly goals too easily,” Gattuso lamented. “But this is on me, not the players. My staff and I must find solutions.” He compared the situation to the infamous 2005 Champions League final when his AC Milan team lost a 3-0 half-time lead to Liverpool and eventually succumbed in a penalty shootout.
“These matches are never over until they're over,” Gattuso stressed.
10 goals in 2 matches On a positive note, Gattuso has several forwards in excellent form. Mateo Retegui netted two goals and made three assists in two matches, Moise Kean scored three times, and Giacomo Raspadori contributed two goals and two assists off the bench.
However, fielding a traditional 4-4-2 formation with both Retegui and Kean left Italy defensively vulnerable.
“Most modern teams avoid playing with two strikers, but we've committed to it, and we're satisfied with their contributions — not just in goals,” Gattuso acknowledged.
This instance marked the first time Italy, typically known for their defensive strategies, scored five goals in consecutive matches.
Gattuso was Tonali’s idol Another positive note is the leadership shown by Tonali, who idolized Andrea Pirlo and Gattuso during his youth.
“To work with a coach who has always been my reference point is inspirational for me,” Tonali remarked. (AP) UNG
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