Gattuso’s Christmas Wishes for Italy
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) It has been a challenging year for the Azzurri, and a more demanding one is ahead. Giancarlo Rinaldi explores what might assist the national team in reclaiming its past glory. One cannot fault him for his dedication. Whenever you turn on the television to catch a Serie A match, there’s a good chance you’ll see him in the stands. If nothing else, Rino Gattuso is gathering as much insight as possible ahead of a pivotal year in the history of the iconic blue kit he wore with such pride. Italy faced significant difficulties in 2025, marked by two lopsided losses against Norway, which were the unwanted highlights of a rather bleak year. There was the lively Nations League exit against Germany as well, and a chaotic match with Israel, alongside some more routine wins. In the midst of it all, the Azzurri concluded their relationship with Luciano Spalletti and opted for the energetic, fiery former midfielder. The early results were promising, but a reality check from Erling Haaland and his teammates indicated that considerable work lies ahead if they aim to qualify for the World Cup in 2026.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates with teammates after netting his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Norway at San Siro Stadium on November 16, 2025 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images) For La Nazionale to miss out on the extended celebration in Mexico, Canada, and the USA would represent a major setback, one that would certainly spark additional calls for a revamp within the Italian Football Federation. To secure their participation, they first need to overcome Northern Ireland at home and then face an away match against either Wales or Bosnia—neither of which, based on current performance, appears as simple as it should be for a country that has, as we must remember, won the World Cup four times in former years. Part one of Gattuso’s Christmas wish list will certainly include keeping all his key players healthy for the crucial matches ahead. Losing a central figure like Sandro Tonali or Nicolò Barella would be a devastating blow before such vital contests. It’s no surprise that he often appears slightly tense while watching a match—he’s likely hoping no one delivers one of his own signature tackles on any of the Azzurri’s more crucial players.
Sandro Tonali plays for Italy in Moldova during the 2026 World Cup qualifier (@azzurri) Another area that needs addressing is the defense. There’s been a noticeable lack of functionality with the Italian back line for some time, which seems astonishing in a nation where the craft of preventing opponents from scoring has been celebrated for generations. Despite having a selection of competent players, there’s something amiss within the defense that he must rectify promptly. A gradual transformation is essential to evolve that group into one that instills fear in any attacker daring to challenge it. From that firm foundation, he could aspire to forge a team capable not only of qualifying for the World Cup but also advancing past the group stages.
The introduction of a few fresh faces to compete with his veteran squad would also be beneficial. This roster boasts a solid foundation, yet it undeniably requires revitalization, and providing players like Francesco Pio Esposito more playing time with Inter would certainly be advantageous. Italy has performed adequately at youth levels recently, suggesting that talent abounds, but it seems to stall due to insufficient playing time in Serie A. Youngsters who have ventured abroad in search of opportunities could play an essential role. Up front, all he wishes for this Christmas is that Moise Kean and Mateo Retegui excel. A silver lining following Gattuso’s arrival has been the commitment to fielding the two together, which has yielded goal-scoring benefits. He will hope they both maintain their fitness and that Fiorentina starts witnessing an upswing in their fortunes so their key player can approach the critical matches in March with a bit more confidence than he currently possesses.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Mateo Retegui of Italy celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s second goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Finally, there’s the Federico Chiesa situation. It has been over four years since his breakout performance in the postponed Euro 2020, and Italy could greatly benefit from having that version of him back in the team. None of the current wide players possess the drive and attacking threat that he showcased in his prime, but it remains uncertain whether he will get many chances to display it with Liverpool and how much he feels he can contribute to his national side. The communication line between player and coach might remain open, but time is definitely of the essence in resolving this issue one way or another. This, among many other considerations, will surely occupy Rino’s thoughts during the holiday season. He will be eager to prepare for the playoff matches while simultaneously hoping that Serie A—and other competitions—can provide him with some solutions. Italy does not approach these defining matches with immense confidence, but they can utilize them as a foundation to rebuild their status as one of football’s powerhouses. Is Gattuso the right person to lead them there? Two crucial tests in the spring will provide clarity on that matter, one way or another.
Published: 2025-12-25 12:00:00
source: football-italia.net
