Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso is putting mental fortitude above tactics ahead of Thursday’s World Cup playoff semi-final against Northern Ireland.
Haunted by failures to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments, Gattuso stressed the need for composure. Italy hasn’t reached the World Cup since winning it in 2006-its only victory since then came in a 2014 group-stage match against England.
"We must be able to make the players feel lighter," Gattuso said at Italy’s Coverciano base. "These are players who have won the Euros and played in Champions League finals."
He ruled out distractions: "There are no excuses; we must only think about Thursday’s game."
A win would set up a March 31 final against Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina for a spot in the 2026 tournament in North America.
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has left camp due to physical issues. "He didn’t feel up for it, so he decided to return home," Gattuso confirmed.
Gattuso opted for the 23,000-seat Stadio di Bergamo over San Siro to avoid potential fan backlash. "At San Siro, they might start booing after a few wrong passes," he said. "I want to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere."