Di Canio ‘can’t get carried away’ by Italy’s win over Estonia

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Italy team formation prior to the during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Paolo Di Canio is not excited by Italy’s 3-1 win over Estonia, but appreciates the ‘sense of belonging’ shown by the players under Gennaro Gattuso.

Former Serie A and West Ham striker Di Canio remains critical of the Italy national team despite three consecutive wins under new coach Gattuso.

When asked whether he was excited by the Azzurri’s 3-1 win over Estonia last night, Di Canio replied (via Napolimagazine): “My answer is no.”

Di Canio ‘not excited’ about Italy’s win over Estonia

“If I got excited about a win like this one, it would mean I’m placing Italy somewhere between Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia and with all due respect, I believe we are stronger than that,” continued the ex-West Ham star.

“And then I’d be throwing my football knowledge in the trash, ignoring the level of our opponent.

“Lastly, if I had to do it just to please someone, it’s not in my style. I care deeply about the national team, and that’s exactly why I’m so critical.

“When I think that just a few weeks ago, we didn’t deserve to beat Israel and we only won 5-4 in the final seconds, while Norway could have beaten them 12-0, I simply can’t get carried away.”

Italy remain second in Group I, six points below Norway but with a big goal-difference gap in favour of Norway, which means the Azzurri will likely need to go through the playoffs to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Di Canio, however, is satisfied with the sense of belonging and attitude shown by Italy players under their new coach.

“On the other hand, I’m really happy about one thing: the team’s enthusiasm,” he said.

“I saw several players, including Bonucci, celebrating passionately. It seemed forced at first, but I actually like it. The national team has been missing that sense of belonging, that self-awareness among the younger players.”

Italy’s next game is against Israel in Udine this coming Tuesday.

The final two games in the World Cup qualifying group are against Moldova away and at home (San Siro) against Norway in November.