Italy will play away against Moldova this Thursday and host Norway in Milan on Sunday. Italy currently sit second in Group I, trailing Norway.

"This will not be an easy match; I want to see full dedication to continue what we began in September," Gattuso said at a pre-game press conference.

"Against Moldova, we will test players who have had limited minutes, but our focus must be on ourselves rather than Norway's actions," he added.

"The game against Moldova is the most crucial because the one against Norway is easier to prepare for.

"We are aware this Norwegian side can trouble us with their pace, physicality, and outstanding style of play," the former AC Milan and Napoli manager remarked.

Italy missed out on the last two World Cups. They are assured a playoff spot by sitting second in their group.

They still have a mathematical chance to finish first and secure direct qualification for the upcoming World Cup in North America by defeating Moldova and Norway.

However, they would need to achieve large-margin victories in both matches to surpass Norway, who enjoy a much superior goal difference.

Gattuso will be without Fiorentina forward Moise Kean, who has netted six goals in his last four national team games but is sidelined due to an injury sustained with his club.

Liverpool winger Federico Chiesa has opted out of playing for Italy during the November international break. Chiesa has not represented Italy since the 2024 Euros.

Since taking over from Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed after a 3-0 loss in Oslo in early June, Gattuso has reinvigorated Italy, who have now won four matches in a row scoring 16 goals.

The former AC Milan star also explained that the training camp initially planned for playoff preparation at the end of March could not be held "because of scheduling conflicts and lack of available dates."

"It is our responsibility to do our utmost by scouting players both domestically and internationally," he concluded.