Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has urged his players to give their all as the Azzurri fight to qualify directly for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Italy, second in Group I and three points behind Norway, face Moldova away on Thursday and Norway at home in Milan on Sunday.
“This won’t be a simple outing. I want to see maximum commitment to continue what we started in September,” said Gattuso. He noted that while the Moldova clash would allow rotation, focus must remain on winning both matches — and scoring heavily to overturn Norway’s superior goal difference.
The coach acknowledged Norway’s strong form and physical style but stressed Italy’s need to “think about ourselves.”
Italy, who missed the last two World Cups, are assured of a playoff spot but could still qualify automatically by winning their final games convincingly.
Gattuso will be without in-form Moise Kean, sidelined by injury, and Federico Chiesa, who opted out of the November fixtures.
Since replacing Luciano Spalletti in June, Gattuso has led Italy to four straight wins, scoring 16 goals. He confirmed plans for a March training camp were scrapped due to scheduling issues but vowed to keep scouting “both in Italy and abroad” to ensure the team’s readiness.
