Italy’s head coach emphasized the importance of tactical and mental preparation ahead of Thursday’s crucial match in Bergamo. “This is a game that needs preparation on both a tactical and mental level; the players know that straightforward games no longer exist. Northern Ireland plays vertically, always putting balls into the box, so you have to be prepared,” he added.
Italy faces a high-stakes pair of matches to secure a spot in the World Cup after a 12-year absence, aiming to erase the painful memories of missing out in 2018, and 2022. Tonight at 8:45 PM local time in Bergamo, the Azzurri will take on Northern Ireland in the first leg of the World Cup playoff, with the tournament set to be hosted in Canada, Mexico, and the United States starting June 11th. A victory will propel them to a decisive final match next Tuesday against the winner of the Wales-Bosnia contest.
“It was a shock not to participate in two World Cups, and the responsibility doesn’t lie with the fans but with us, those working in the sport. Those were two massive disappointments, but today we need to focus on our objective: to reach this World Cup, which is fundamental for us. The goal is to return to where we’ve been for so many years, and to do so as contenders,” Italy head coach Rino Gattuso stated on the eve of the semifinal playoff. “This is a game that needs preparation on both a tactical and mental level, the players know that easy games no longer exist. Northern Ireland plays vertically, always putting balls into the box, so you have to be prepared; we must play with a determined spirit.”
The Most Important Match
“For the past seven months, or since my first day as head coach,” Gattuso continued, sharing his emotions, “there hasn’t been a moment, before falling asleep or upon waking up, that I haven’t thought about the need to qualify for the World Cup. This will be the most important match of my career,” he admitted. He added, “We are the masters of our own destiny and must be aware of our capabilities. We need to be ready physically and mentally. It’s okay for our opponents to say we’re in crisis, and we shouldn’t be surprised.” When asked what he would share his players, Gattuso responded, “I will simply repeat that they must enter the field without underestimating the opponent. They are Northern Ireland, and they’ve reached this stage because they have a fire within them: for them, the first and last ball are like the last ball of their lives. We must have the same motivation and respond blow for blow.”
Team Update
Gattuso provided an update on the injured players: “Mancini, Politano, and Calafiori are all fit and available. The only players we need to evaluate are Bastoni and Scamacca; the rest are all available.” Regarding the starting lineup, “I’m not thinking about the second game, and the choices are easy because we have options. Kean, Retegui, and Pio Esposito can change the match in any 30-35 minute window. We have four strong forwards, including Raspadori.”
Approfondimento
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