Cristante: ‘ Convincing Italy need to be ready’ for 2026 World Cup play-offs

Bryan Cristante wants Italy to keep building with ‘convincing performances’ against Moldova and Norway so they are ‘ready’ for the World Cup play-offs in March.

It kicks off at the Stadionul Zimbru in Chisinau on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

Group I then concludes by hosting leaders Norway at San Siro on Sunday evening, although the hopes of pipping them to first place are very limited due to the goal difference.

Cristante eager to see Italy progress

“We want to win and put in a convincing performance, because it is important that we continue the growth process,” Cristante told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is not easy, as every match in Europe has its own hidden dangers, especially with a team playing on home turf and wanting to impress their fans.”

Italy knew their hopes of securing top spot in Group I and therefore direct qualification for the 2026 World Cup were dashed from the very first game, that 3-0 defeat in Oslo back in June.

Luciano Spalletti was sacked after that result, with his final match being the 2-0 home win over Moldova a few days later.

Would beating Norway at San Siro increase self-confidence or just boost the regrets at that opening fixture?

“I think it would help our self-belief, winning helps you to keep winning. We need good performances, so we’ll be ready for the play-off in March.”

Cristante was in the AC Milan youth team, so is one of the only current Italy players who had Gennaro Gattuso as a teammate.

How has the new coach been able to pass on his character to the squad?

“He had this commitment within him as a player and now as a coach. He wrote history with the Nazionale, this fire is a part of him, so he passes that on naturally and in a strong way,” assured Cristante.