Gennaro Gattuso says Italy “deserves the joy”\u00a0of reaching the World Cup and hopes “with all my heart that we’ll reach this target”.<\/p>\n
Italy are preparing for their World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on Thursday, having finished second in Group I behind Norway in qualifying.<\/p>\n
As such, the Nerazzurri are entering the play-offs for the third World Cup cycle in a row.<\/p>\n
They missed out on a place in the tournament in both 2022 and 2018, losing to North Macedonia and Sweden in their play-offs.<\/p>\n
But Gattuso is determined to ensure that Italy are in the competition in the United States, Canada and Mexico, ending their 12-year wait.<\/p>\n
Gattuso has opted not to include attackers Nicolo Zaniolo, Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini in his squad, though he does not feel that will affect the team.<\/p>\n
“I have tried since the first day to build rapport with the players. I know you’ll ask me about Zaniolo, Bernardeschi, and Orsolini, even if the latter was here recently,” he said.<\/p>\n
“But I tried to create a group, and I’m very satisfied with it. I hope with all my heart that we’ll reach this target. I believe this group deserves joy for what we’ve done in these months.<\/p>\n
“I’m aware that players like Zaniolo have done really well, but I made decisions in good faith. I didn’t want to lose time explaining how to stay together, and I have great confidence in the players I’ve called.<\/p>\n
“All players who are here are aware of what we play for and how important this game is. These are players who have won a lot, played Champions League Finals, and won the Euros with the Azzurri shirt. I strongly believe in our players.<\/p>\n
“We must get to this game with great desire, be clear-headed and smell the danger. We respect the opponents, they run so much, they have a big heart and are scary from set-pieces.”<\/p>\n
Liverpool’s Federico Chiesa had been selected for the squad, but it was confirmed on Monday that he had withdrawn due to injury, with Nicolo Cambiaghi called up in his place.<\/p>\n
The midfielder has managed just 673 minutes for the Reds in all competitions, starting just five of his 32 appearances.<\/p>\n
“They are not all the same; the players’ heads are not the same,” Gattuso said of Chiesa returning to Liverpool.<\/p>\n
“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, and I had to accept it.<\/p>\n
“Rapports are important, besides a game. I don’t have great medical knowledge, but I’ve understood that one can’t insist much. I don’t insist, but when one wants to return home, it’s right to let him do it.”<\/p>\n
Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo for their semi-final on March 26, and should they win, they will travel to face the winner of the match between Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina on March 31.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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