Italy reaches the 2026 World Cup play-offs, putting pressure on Gattuso.
Losing 1-4 to Norway, Italy missed out on direct qualification and will have to play in the 2026 World Cup play-offs. Under Gattuso, he scored 18 goals in 5 matches but his defense was inconsistent; Retegui scored 5 goals in 5 matches.
Italy were relegated to the 2026 World Cup play-offs after a 1-4 defeat to Norway, facing the risk of missing out on the tournament for the third consecutive time. The expansion to 48 teams didn't guarantee the Azzurri's safety: Norway opened with a seven-match winning streak, fueled by Erling Haaland's explosive goalscoring form, pushing Gennaro Gattuso's side into a precarious position.
A life-or-death playoff and the haunting past.
The two most recent playoff defeats are still fresh wounds. In 2017, Italy lost to Sweden; four years later, the shock defeat to North Macedonia on home soil. On the Euro Leagues podcast, journalist James Horncastle emphasized: “People used to call Italy’s first elimination the apocalypse. Now we don’t know what level of apocalypse we’re at.”
Gattuso has reignited the attack, but balance is still lacking.
Following Gennaro Gattuso's appointment, Italy's goal-scoring improved significantly: 18 goals in 5 matches, with wins against Estonia (5-0), Israel (5-4), and two victories (3-1 and 3-0) against Estonia and Israel respectively. New signing Mateo Retegui quickly found his rhythm with 5 goals in 5 matches.
But the pressure is immense: according to James Horncastle, the team has to play in an atmosphere where they "have to win every game and score as many goals as possible to make amends." Explosive attacking play is the foundation, but the problem of balance remains unsolved.
The defense is unstable, and its transitions are weak.
Journalist Mina Rzouki points out the paradox: “Italy is desperate for goals but lacks balance. They can score five goals against Estonia, but also allow Israel to control possession, counter-attack, and create easy chances.” She warns against “tactical naivety” at many times, especially when the opponent switches tactics quickly. The metaphor of “a less aesthetically pleasing version of Barcelona” accurately reflects the feeling: scoring many goals but not providing reassurance.
A disastrous start and a turning point on the coaching bench.
The root of the problem lies in the early setbacks of the campaign. The 0-3 defeat against Norway led coach Luciano Spalletti to announce his resignation just two days later. Gattuso took over, revitalizing the attack, but the gaps in the defensive system were not yet closed.
The 2026 World Cup is open to a wider tournament, but Italy's chances are slim.
The 2026 World Cup will take place in the USA, Canada, and Mexico with 48 teams. However, Gattuso believes the European qualifying system is more rigorous than those in other continents. Finishing second puts the Azzurri in a risky play-off round.
Italy hasn't participated in the World Cup since 2014. The prospect of continued absence from the biggest stage in world football would be a shock to a footballing nation that has produced players like Maldini, Cannavaro, Nesta, Totti, and Del Piero.
Two matches to decide everything.
The path ahead is clear: overcome the two singles play-off matches to salvage their honor. Failure would not only be a blow to their performance, but would also reinforce Horncastle's fears of a "World Cup apocalypse."
The numbers are noteworthy.
- Having lost 1-4 to Norway, Italy failed to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
- Norway opened with a run of 7 wins; Erling Haaland maintained his high goal-scoring form.
- Under Gattuso: 18 goals in 5 matches; victories of 5-0, 5-4, 3-1, and 3-0 against Estonia and Israel.
- Mateo Retegui: 5 goals in 5 matches.
- Two most recent playoff defeats: loss to Sweden (2017) and loss to North Macedonia.
- Italy hasn't participated in the World Cup since 2014.
