Italy faces Norway in a World Cup qualifying match with significant implications for their tournament hopes. Coach Gennaro Gattuso has announced that Davide Frattesi will be in the starting lineup. However, the team will be without Sandro Tonali and Riccardo Calafiori for the game.
Italy’s path to directly qualifying for the World Cup is narrow. They would need to achieve a very large victory over Norway, a team that has won all of their qualifying matches so far. Anything less than that would mean Italy would have to participate in a play-off series to earn their spot in the tournament.
Calafiori will not be able to play due to fitness issues. Tonali will be present at the stadium but will not play. This is a strategic decision because he already has a yellow card, and playing him could risk a suspension for the play-off games.
Gattuso emphasized the importance of managing the team carefully during this critical time. “Calafiori is out… Tonali is also out, he doesn’t have any physical issues, but we won’t risk him given his booking,” Gattuso explained.
Looking ahead to the play-offs, Gattuso discussed the limited preparation time available. He shared plans to maintain close contact with the players. “Our future is to try and get to the World Cup,” Gattuso stated. “We’re organizing how to get together in February, to have 48 hours together, to go and visit them. We’re arranging that, and to go and watch all the games using all of our resources.”
When asked about what he expects from the team against Norway, Gattuso stressed the need for a smart approach. “We have to be very intelligent and not get caught up in the emotions. Tomorrow’s game is one that will help us understand what level we’re at, and where the bar is. But we need to be intelligent, too. We can’t take any sendings off, we can’t have any foolishness.”
Gattuso also acknowledged the strength of the Norwegian team. “They have four players up front who take advantage of every mistake, and when they go into a defensive block, it’s difficult to put them in any sort of danger. Right now, Norway are a 360° team.”
Regarding the possibility of postponing Serie A matches to give Italy more time to prepare for the World Cup play-offs, Gattuso admitted it would be difficult. “There’s not a lot we can do about it… In our opinion, it will be very difficult to move them. We hope they will give us one or two windows to see our players.”
When questioned about resting Gianluca Mancini, who is also at risk of suspension, Gattuso said, “Mancini took a yellow and gritted his teeth. We’ll see, either him or Buongiorno (will play). Frattesi will play tomorrow. He has completely different characteristics and will start from the first minute.”
Gattuso also spoke about Pio Esposito. “He doesn’t have to prove anything, that’s not his game. Pio has to be Pio, he has to fight and play well. He has to tie his game together, be able to score. We’re talking about a player who is already very mature given his age.”
Gattuso offered praise for the Norwegian team’s performance in the qualifiers. “I congratulate Norway,” he said. “They’ve shown great quality and mentality. Right now, they’re one of those national teams you have to play an incredible game against in order to beat them.”
Gattuso was asked about the very slim chance of winning by a large margin. “A 9-0 is unthinkable. Never say never in football, but we have to look at reality. We’re preparing the game the same as any other, we’ll play with pride and knowing that we’re up against a team that put us in a lot of difficulty six months ago.”
Finally, when asked about Erling Haaland, Gattuso said, “There are strikers, and then there are strikers. Given what he does, yes. He’s unique, he has strength, he has the shot and he has incredible coordination. He’s an incredibly flexible player and has impressive speed.”
Gattuso concluded by reflecting on his time with the Italian national team. “There haven’t been many difficulties, there’s great unity here… The joy comes with winning, seeing the team being happy and seeing the enthusiasm in the dressing room. We have to carry on like that.”
