
Coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed that he will leave Italy if he cannot help the team qualify for the World Cup - Photo: REUTERS
After Italy's 3-0 win over Israel, coach Gennaro Gattuso confirmed his seriousness: "If I can't take the team to the World Cup, I will leave Italy. I'm already quite far away, but if the situation gets worse, I will go even further."
This statement has demonstrated the strong desire of the entire Italian team to return to the biggest tournament on the planet.
Coach Gattuso also shared emotionally: "Leading the Italian team is a dream. I do it with a great sense of responsibility." At the same time, he also sent his thanks to the Italian Football Federation.
Italy are currently second in Group I of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and have secured at least a play-off spot after their win over Israel.
However, the Azzurri's mission to win a direct ticket is facing difficulties, as Norway is leading the group with a superior goal difference.
Gennaro Gattuso was just appointed as the head coach of the Italian national team in June, with the task of helping the blue team win a ticket to the 2026 World Cup. Not only famous as a warrior on the field, coach Gennaro Gattuso is also known for making "shocking" statements but always keeping his promises.
In 2013, when facing serious allegations of match-fixing and having his home searched by the police, Gattuso made a chillingly strong statement, risking his life to defend his honor: "If they find evidence that could conclusively prove my involvement in any match-fixing in the world, I will definitely end my life immediately."
That gentlemanly spirit was once again demonstrated in May 2019. When leaving AC Milan, he refused to accept the 2-year contract compensation, offering to transfer that amount to his assistants. His affirmation was a strong oath: "With AC Milan, I never sought money."
Or most recently in October 2024, despite facing a broken promise from the Hajduk Split leadership, Gattuso still showed absolute responsibility for the team and players.
He declared that he would fight to the end: “I will not leave! Absolutely! If I leave while the whole team is working and training hard like now, I will feel terrible, a useless person.”
Gattuso was a fiery midfielder, known for his fearless playing style. He was a mainstay of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad and made 73 appearances for the national team.
His club career at AC Milan was equally brilliant, creating an extremely impressive legacy. Together with the Rossoneri, Gattuso swept a series of major and minor titles, most notably reaching the pinnacle of European glory twice with the Champions League championship in the 2002-2003 and 2006-2007 seasons.
On the club coaching bench, Coach Gattuso tried his hand at top teams such as: AC Milan, Napoli, Marseille, and most recently Hajduk Split, before officially taking on the responsibility of leading the Italian national team at the present time.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hlv-gattuso-the-se-roi-nuoc-y-neu-khong-gianh-ve-du-world-cup-2026-20251017084312789.htm
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