Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso said Monday that he was concerned about the situation in Gaza, calling it “heartbreaking to see civilians and children enduring what they are going through. We were simply unlucky to be in the same group as Israel, there is little we can do about that. What we see is painful, that is all I can say.”
On the field, Italy beat Estonia 5-0 in World Cup qualifying in Gattuso’s first match as coach. Israel won 4-0 against Moldova.
Gattuso said quality alone would not be enough for Italy to secure a World Cup spot. “Italy won’t get anywhere with quality alone—we need to bring back the hunger, the fighting spirit, the passion that used to define us,” he said.
The coach changed Italy’s formation compared with former coach Luciano Spalletti, using an attacking 4-2-3-1 lineup that included Moise Kean, Matteo Retegi, Mattia Zaccagni and Matteo Politano. The approach produced goals in the second half from Kean, Retegi, who scored twice, Giacomo Raspadori, and Alessandro Bastoni.
“We knew we were taking a risk with so many attacking players, but it paid off. The fullbacks pushed forward and linked with the front. When the level of the opposition rises, we will need to stay more focused,” Gattuso said.
Bastoni, who scored the fifth goal, said the coaching change had already affected the team. “This performance came from our hunger and determination, beyond just technical quality. We have always had quality, but we needed to show it and take responsibility on the field. It was a good test, regardless of the opponent’s level,” he said.
Bastoni also noted Gattuso’s approach. “I have never played under Gattuso before. He gives us determination and toughness, and a few slaps along the way, which maybe we needed as a wake-up call,” he added.