How will Gattuso improve Italy?

09/10/2025 10:33:00 pandatv

Gennaro Gattuso’s era as Italy’s coach kicked off with fiery attacking displays, yet also showed insecurity. Scoring 10 goals in two matches but conceding 4 against a weaker side, Gattuso faces a tough challenge.

Ahead of two key World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Estonia and Israel, the former 2006 World Cup winner’s task is not just to win, but to solve the puzzle of how to build a truly solid and courageous Azzurri for the future.

Building for the future, rather than meaningless chasing

Before discussing changes, it’s important to acknowledge Italy’s harsh reality in Group I. Despite winning necessary matches after the setback in Oslo, their chances of topping the group and qualifying directly for World Cup 2026 are nearly zero. Norway is racing ahead with five straight wins, 15 points, 6 points clear of Italy (despite Italy having played one fewer match). More crucially, Norway’s goal difference is huge (+21), while Italy’s is only +5. Norway’s 11-1 demolition of Moldova made closing the goal difference gap nearly impossible. In other words, even if Italy wins all remaining matches, including the November rematch with Norway, they will 99% finish second due to goal difference. Unless they win every game by a 5-goal margin, which is unrealistic, even though Italy scored 10 goals in Gattuso’s first two matches.

With the goal difference race meaningless, Italy’s objectives for the remaining games must change. They must still secure second place to reach the playoffs, but more importantly, this is the moment for Gattuso to use the matches to perfect tactics, test players, and build a capable team. Gattuso has emphasized: “The goal is to create a team.” A team not only strong enough to get through the tricky playoffs but also competitive at the 2026 World Cup finals.

The shine from scoring 10 goals in 2 matches is actually deceptive. As long as the defense remains as fragile as when conceding 4 goals to Israel (including 2 own goals), Italy cannot have any lofty ambitions. Therefore, Gattuso’s primary task now is not to score many goals but to build a united, tight, and hard-to-defeat squad.

Italy doesn’t need to be an explosive team but must focus on solidity

What is Gattuso’s plan?

To achieve this, Gattuso faces a complex tactical challenge, especially after the injury of winger Matteo Politano. The Napoli player is a vital component, providing balance to the 4-1-3-2 formation Gattuso successfully tested against Israel. His absence forces the coach to consider new tactical options.

Although Gattuso admitted he “does not particularly favor a three-man defense,” he also stated he is ready to “put his ego aside” and do what’s best for the team. However, his preferred approach remains starting with four defenders at the back. To replace Politano on the right wing, several solutions have been suggested, the most direct being Andrea Cambiaso, a player with tactical discipline and defensive support skills. Additionally, Bryan Cristante is considered to enhance fighting spirit, while the idea of shifting Sandro Tonali to the right wing and using new players on the left like Destiny Udogie and Leonardo Spinazzola (called up to replace Politano) shows Gattuso’s intention to focus more on the left flank. With striker Giacomo Raspadori in good form, this is a reasonable concept.

Moreover, in other positions, players such as Matteo Gabbia in defense or Cristante as a defensive midfielder are also under consideration. It is likely that a more attacking lineup will be tested against the weaker Estonia before returning to the best setup for the crucial match against Israel. Italy’s path to the World Cup will likely pass through a difficult playoff, and Gattuso’s experiments in the next two games will determine how ready they are for that journey.

From Berlin memories to the Azzurri dream

Nicolo Cambiaghi, Bologna’s winger, has just been called up to the Italy national team for the first time, marking a significant milestone in his career. Nineteen years ago, at age 5, Cambiaghi attended the Olympic Stadium in Berlin to witness Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory. Little Nicolo had no idea he would one day be part of the Azzurri.

Shining brightly in last weekend’s 4-0 win over Pisa with a goal, an assist, and winning a penalty, Cambiaghi earned a spot in Gattuso’s squad. His journey has not been easy: he suffered a cruciate ligament injury requiring a long recovery but persevered to make his mark in Serie B and Bologna. With family support and strong determination, Cambiaghi is continuing to write his fairy tale wearing the Azzurri jersey.

Comment (0)