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BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to 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)
During hispress conference at Coverciano today, Gennaro Gattuso explained why Nicolò Zaniolo, Federico Bernardeschi and Riccardo Orsolini were not included in the squad and said Northern Ireland are ‘scary’ on set pieces.
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Italy have begun preparations for Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland in Bergamo.
Gattuso explains omission of Orsolini, Bernardeschi and Zaniolo
Federico Chiesa returned to Liverpool on Monday morning and was replaced by Bologna’s Nicolò Cambiaghi.
During his press conference attended by Football Italia today, Gattuso explained why he didn’t call up either Zaniolo, Bernardeschi or Orsolini.
“I have tried since the first day to build rapport with the players. I know you’ll ask me about Zaniolo, Bernardeschi, and Orsolini, even if the latter was here recently,” he said.
“But I tried to create a group, and I’m very satisfied with it. I hope with all my heart that we’ll reach this target. I believe this group deserves joy for what we’ve done in these months.
“I’m aware that players like Zaniolo have done really well, but I made decisions in good faith. I didn’t want to lose time explaining how to stay together, and I have great confidence in the players I’ve called.
“All players who are here are aware of what we play for and how important this game is. Imagine me telling them about this every day, every moment. We do what we have to in order to get to the game with great tranquillity; there’s no need to suffocate them,” Gattuso continued.
“These are players who have won a lot, played Champions League Finals, and won the Euros with the Azzurri shirt. I strongly believe in our players. It takes great confidence because these players are accustomed to playing these games, so we must have the right mentality and serenity.
“We must get to this game with great desire, be clear-headed and smell the danger. We respect the opponents, they run so much, they have a big heart and are scary from set pieces.”
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
