Next game is Norway! Gattuso: Italy must go to World Cup at all costs

Before the final round of the World Cup qualifying match against Norway, the Italian national team coach Gennaro Gattuso was interviewed. Italy currently has 18 points from 7 games in Group I, 3 points behind leader Norway, and is likely to play in the World Cup play-offs.

The significance of this game?

"There will be 70,000 people coming to watch the game tomorrow and we thank everyone who is here. If I remember correctly, this will be a record. We are facing a very strong team and it will be difficult to deal with. Tomorrow's game will also let us know where we are and have a reference. But we also need wisdom, we can't take red cards and we can't do stupid things."

About Calafioli's absence

"I thank him for the professionalism he showed, yesterday we tried We could have let him bite the bullet, but that's not right because they have a game every 3-4 days and we'll see who comes on the other side, we have Buongiorno, Mancini, we'll see."

About the rest. Player situation

"Mancini took a bit, he gritted his teeth and persisted. We will see again, either him or Buongiorno. Fratesi will play tomorrow, he has completely different characteristics, he will start tomorrow. Pio has no test , He just needs to play and not be bothered by the pressure, he is still young and does an incredible job. Pio does not need to prove anything, he just needs to be himself, help his teammates fight and score the ball if there is a chance."

About the future and the World Cup play-offs

"If we start thinking about the play-offs now, we will be discouraged by then. We can't talk about the future, we have to think about how to go to the World Cup at all costs. How to get to know our players. We have to organize the team, have a cup of tea, have a cup of coffee with them, have a piece of pie, and keep in touch with them. We also have to watch the games they play and pray that we can play at our best."

On the boos at the last game

"Boos are acceptable, I've always accepted it, but when you hear someone say bad words, I think something is wrong. But I repeat, in the end everyone will have their own opinion."