Gattuso Begins Italy Tenure Amid World Cup Pressure as Messi Nears Qualifying Farewell

Posted : 04 September 2025

Gennaro Gattuso will take charge of Italy for the first time on Friday when the Azzurri host Estonia in Bergamo, before a politically sensitive clash with Israel in Debrecen, Hungary. His mission is clear: to prevent Italy from missing out on a third straight World Cup.

Italy’s qualifying campaign began poorly in June, costing Luciano Spalletti his job after a difficult run that followed a disappointing European Championship title defence. Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner but not initially the federation’s first choice, inherits a team sitting nine points behind Group I leaders Norway after two matches, including a heavy 3-0 defeat to Erling Haaland’s side.

Only the group winners advance directly to the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Italy still have two games in hand on Norway, but their inferior goal difference leaves the play-offs as their most realistic route to qualification. The Azzurri failed to progress through that path for both the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Gattuso has urged his players to rediscover Italy’s trademark fighting spirit. “We cannot allow fear to enter our minds. We have to be strong and united,” he told reporters. “History shows that Italy never lacked character, and that must return.”

However, his first week in charge has been overshadowed by political tension surrounding the Israel match. Calls have grown in Italy for Israel to be suspended from international football due to its ongoing offensive in Gaza, where thousands of civilians have been killed according to local health authorities. Demonstrations have already taken place in Venice, while future fixtures such as October’s meeting in Udine are expected to see heightened security.

Gattuso, describing himself as “a man of peace,” said he hoped for a solution that would allow football to be played without division: “It hurts my heart to see civilians and children affected. We will do our duty, but I hope peace can be found.”

Meanwhile, in South America, Lionel Messi prepares for what he has confirmed will be his final World Cup qualifying match for Argentina. The 38-year-old captain will lead the world champions at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires against Venezuela on Thursday, with his family present for the occasion.

“This is going to be very special for me because it will be my last qualifier,” Messi said. “I don’t know if I will play friendlies or other matches after this, but this one is different.”

Argentina have already sealed their place at the 2026 tournament, topping the South American table with 35 points. Ecuador and Brazil are also through, leaving Uruguay, Paraguay, Colombia and Venezuela fighting for the remaining automatic places in what promises to be a dramatic finish to qualifying.

Ecuador’s resurgence has been one of the stories of the campaign, overcoming a three-point penalty to clinch their spot. Brazil’s road has been turbulent, with managerial changes and a recent 4-1 defeat to Argentina before Carlo Ancelotti’s debut against Ecuador. Colombia earned a landmark win over Brazil, while Uruguay recently bid farewell to Luis Suárez, who retired from international duty.

The penultimate round of matches sees Argentina host Venezuela, Paraguay face Ecuador, Uruguay meet Peru, Colombia take on Bolivia and Brazil clash with Chile. If all is not decided, the final matchday on September 9 will determine the last qualifiers for next summer’s tournament in North America.

Gattuso Begins Italy Tenure Amid World Cup Pressure as Messi Nears Qualifying Farewell

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