Gennaro Gattuso prioritises mental issues over tactics as Italy face World Cup play-off
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Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso will focus on the World Cup play-off clash against Northern Ireland, instead of dwelling on past mistakes.
PHOTO: REUTERS
MILAN – Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has called for composure ahead of Italy’s crucial World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on March 26, urging his players to block out the trauma of past failures.
With the spectre of failed 2018 and 2022 qualification campaigns looming over the squad, Gattuso knows his players must overcome the mental weakness that has plagued Italy’s World Cup ambitions.
Seeking to avoid a third consecutive qualification failure, the Italians have managed only one victory at a World Cup, a 2-1 group-stage win over England 12 years ago, since lifting the trophy in 2006 for the fourth time.
That is a dismal record for a team long considered one of Europe’s football powerhouses.
“We must be able to make the players feel lighter,” Gattuso told reporters at Italy’s Coverciano training base on March 23. “Italy didn’t play in the last two World Cups... but there is no need to suffocate them.
“These are players who have won the Euros and played in Champions League finals. They are accustomed to these games.”
He added: “There are no excuses; we must only think about Thursday’s game. We must have the right mentality and serenity. We respect the opponents... but we must be clear-headed and smell the danger.”
Should they get past Northern Ireland, the Azzurri would face a final against Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot at the showpiece tournament in North America.
On the injury front, Gattuso also confirmed that Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa – who scored just three goals this season in all competitions for the Reds – had left the camp.
“He had a few physical problems and we decided it was useless for him to stay here,” he said.
“When I heard that he had problems and doubts, I had to make a decision. He didn’t feel up for it, so he decided to return home. When one wants to return home, it’s right to let him do it.”
The coach, meanwhile, revealed he personally chose the 23,000-seat Stadio di Bergamo over the San Siro for the clash, admitting that he feared the “caustic” atmosphere of a larger stadium if the team struggled early.
“At a 60,000-seat stadium like San Siro, they might start booing after a few wrong passes,” Gattuso explained. “I want to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere. Thursday’s game is the only target. All the rest is the past.”
REUTERS
