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The Azzurri gathered today at Coverciano, with head coach Gennaro Gattuso speaking to the media ahead of the final two fixtures in the World Cup qualifying group. With a play-off spot already secured thanks to October wins over Estonia and Israel, Italy will look to extend their five-match winning streak when they face Moldova in Chisinau on Thursday, before rounding off 2025 at San Siro against group leaders Norway on Sunday night.
Overtaking Haaland and his team mates for top spot appears almost impossible: Italy would need to win both games and overturn a major goal difference deficit (Norway +26, Italy +10), or rely on a Norwegian slip-up against Estonia.
“We need to focus on ourselves, not on what Norway do,” said Gattuso. “I want maximum commitment, so we’ll continue what we started in September. In the first match, those who have played less will get their chance, and then we’ll rotate again for the second.”
The coach confirmed he will use two different systems across the two games, as “being able to play in multiple formations is a real strength”, and noted that Barella will miss out through suspension, while Tonali, Cambiaso and Frattesi (all one booking away from a ban) are unlikely to feature in Milan. “The first match is more important than the second,” he added. “Norway will take care of itself, but Moldova is the real test. It will be a tricky game, and we need to stay sharp.”
SCAMACCA RETURNS
With Moise Kean sidelined, Gattuso will reshuffle his attack. “I’m sorry for Moise, but we have many strong forwards who’ve already helped us a lot,” said the coach. Among them is Gianluca Scamacca, back in the squad after missing September’s camp through injury. “He doesn’t need to prove anything to me. He knows what I expect, and if he’s here it’s because I believe in him. He’s had tough times with injuries, but he’s got real quality and technique.”
OPEN DOOR POLICY
Gattuso stressed that the national team remains open to all. “Players like Zaniolo and Palestra have shown interesting things. Nobody questions Berardi’s quality, and I speak often with Chiesa. Choices are made for specific reasons, and I like to work with those who’ve been part of the group for a while.”
POSSIBLE TRAINING CAMP IN FEBRUARY
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has suggested the possibility of a short training camp early next year. “We might find space in February for a one-day or two-day gathering,” Gattuso said. “The calendar is packed, so we’ll do our best to meet players and stay in touch.” The coach added that his staff have already planned their schedule through mid-January, including scouting trips and attendance at the Supercoppa in Saudi Arabia.
RETURN TO SAN SIRO
Gattuso will revisit familiar ground this week, heading to Milanello on Friday and a sold-out San Siro on Sunday, where over 55,000 tickets have already been issued. “I’m not emotional,” he admitted. “I spent 14 or 15 years there as a player and coach. I have many memories, but there’s a lot to focus on right now.”
YOUTH SUCCESS
Gattuso also praised the outstanding results achieved by Italy’s youth teams. At the U17 World Cup in Qatar, the Azzurrini made history by topping their group with maximum points. “There’s been incredible work done with our youth teams,” he said. “Now the challenge is to make sure these boys keep progressing. We need patience and continuity, and we mustn’t label young players too quickly. Let’s give them time.”
Squad List
Goalkeepers: Caprile (Cagliari), Carnesecchi (Atalanta), Donnarumma (Manchester City), Vicario (Tottenham)
Defenders: Bastoni (Inter), Bellanova (Atalanta), Buongiorno (Napoli), Calafiori (Arsenal), Cambiaso (Juventus), Di Lorenzo (Napoli), Dimarco (Inter), Gabbia (Milan), Mancini (Roma)
Midfielders: Barella (Inter), Cristante (Roma), Frattesi (Inter), Locatelli (Juventus), Ricci (Milan), Tonali (Newcastle)
Forwards: Cambiaghi (Bologna), F. Pio Esposito (Inter), Orsolini (Bologna), Politano (Napoli), Raspadori (Atlético Madrid), Retegui (Al-Qadsiah), Scamacca (Atalanta), Zaccagni (Lazio)
Group I Schedule and Standings
Thursday 13 November
18:00 – Norway vs Estonia (Oslo)
20:45 – Moldova vs Italy (Chisinau)
Sunday 16 November
20:45 – Israel vs Moldova (Debrecen)
20:45 – Italy vs Norway (Milan)
Standings:
- Norway – 18 pts (6 games)
- Italy – 15 (6)
- Israel – 9 (7)
- Estonia – 4 (7)
- Moldova – 1 (6)