Gattuso reveals plan to save Italy’s World Cup hopes

Gennaro Gattuso said that Italy has what it takes to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as he was presented as the new Azzurri boss in Rome, CE Report quotes ANSA.

Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked after Italy's 3-0 defeat in Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier, a result which puts them at risk of missing the tournament for the third consecutive time.

"The national team shirt is heavy, but the word fear must not exist," Gattuso told the news conference.

"We have a team that is good enough to go to the World Cup. Now we need to restore enthusiasm and the desire to be together and be united in difficult times.I have a clear idea of what to do, we need to find enthusiasm again and not think negatively. Whoever comes to (Italy's training base at) Coverciano must come with enthusiasm. The most important thing is (the team) being a family. Technique and tactics come after, now we need to get back to being a team".

The Norway loss makes it difficult for Italy to finish first in the group to qualify directly and the Azzurri missed the last two World Cups after coming second in their group and then getting knocked out in the playoffs.

"Getting us back to the World Cup is fundamental for our football movement," said Gattuso, a member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team.

"A difficult job awaits me, but nothing in life is easy. I often hear it said that our football movement has no talents: but the players are there, we need to put them in the conditions to give their best".

The 47-year-old said being put in charge of the national team was a dream come true.

"There is little to talk about and so much to work on," he said.