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BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: (EDITORS NOTE: In this photo taken from a remote camera from behind the goal) Moise Kean of Italy scores his team’s a first 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)
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso thanks FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon for allowing him to choose the venue for the World Cup semi-final play-off against Northern Ireland: ‘We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere.’
Italy will host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the World Cup play-off semi-final on Thursday, March 26.
Why Italy vs. Northern Ireland played in Bergamo, not San Siro
The match will be played at Atalanta’s New Balance Arena, a 25,000-seat stadium that already hosted Gattuso’s first game as Italy’s head coach against Estonia this past September.
“I chose the stadium. I want to thank the President and Buffon for letting me decide,” Gattuso said at a press conference attended by Football Italia on Monday.
“I believe that when you go to a 60,000-seat stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes. Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere.
“They did so in my first game as Italy’s coach, despite finishing the first half with a 0-0 draw. We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere and that we haven’t messed things up.
“Thursday’s game is the only target. All the rest is the past, and I think we have a great chance.”
Click here to read the full Gattuso press conference.
ByLorenzo Bettoni
Lorenzo Bettoni is the Editor of Football Italia.
