Gattuso: I’ll move far away from Italy if we don’t qualify for 2026 World Cup

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: The Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso attends the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Gennaro Gattuso has seen Italy’s improvements in the last two games against Estonia and Israel, but will only take credit if the Azzurri qualify for the World Cup: ‘Otherwise, I’ll move far away from Italy.’

Italy secured a play-off placement in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Tuesday, beating Israel 3-0 in Udine.

Gattuso has won his opening four games as the Azzurri coach, seeing Italy score 16 times.

“I’ll take credit if I can reach the target; otherwise, I’ll move away from Italy. I’m already living quite far away, but I’d go even further away,” the Azzurri coach said at a press conference via TMW.

Gattuso had been appointed in June to replace Luciano Spalletti and made his debut last month, also against Estonia and Israel.

“Yesterday I said it was a dream to be here, and it’s true. Some people are more experienced than I, and this is why I got this call with great responsibility,” the Italy coach continued.

“I must thank the Federation, the President and Buffon. I didn’t think the team would score 16 times, but it’s their merit. I have very little. We work a lot, we don’t sleep much, but we do this because when we get the win we feel well.”

Italy will face Moldova and Norway in November, but even if the Azzurri have a chance to catch Norway at the top of Group I, the goal difference in favour of Erling Haaland’s side makes it nearly impossible to qualify for the World Cup as group winners.

Gattuso explains where Italy can improve

Gattuso also explained where his team can improve in the coming weeks: “I have the feeling that the team becomes fearful when we concede something. I watch many games, and I don’t see many teams commanding the play,” he noted.

“We must improve in this aspect; we should not hold back when we are under pressure. That’s where we have to work on, but I’m happy about the rest.

“Last month, we did all sorts of crazy things; today, we saw an entirely different team. We must continue on this path and be consistent.”

Games in November will give Gattuso a chance to rotate his squad.

“Let’s see, surely some things to understand our level. And also because everyone is training incredibly, so I want to involve those who have not gotten much playing time,” he concluded.

“We’ll travel a lot, but the principle remains the same: the national team doors are open to those who do well.”