Italy Prepares for Crucial Moldova Clash

Wednesday is the eve for Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy, which will take the field in Moldova on Thursday, November 13, for the penultimate match of the qualifying group. The Azzurri are assured of a spot in the March playoffs but still have remote chances of reaching first place. Much (if not all) will depend on Norway’s match against Estonia. As usual, the Italian coach spoke at a press conference to present the match.

The words of Coach Gattuso

MOLDOVA – “There were no easy matches before, and there are none now. Great respect is needed because if you don’t respect your opponents, it’s tough. Anyone thinking of Norway’s 11-1 against this Moldova is mistaken. Moldova is not the 11-1 team… If that match were played 10 times, that result would hardly come back. In Reggio Emilia, we sweated and struggled: tomorrow, commitment and respect for the opponents are needed to bring home the three points. I reiterate to be clear: Moldova can put us in difficulty, and we will have to pedal and respect the opponent. They have a team with strengths and weaknesses: I know Ionita and what he has done in Italy. We have prepared the match on Moldova and not on the individual.”

GROUP – “Everyone wants to be here with their teammates and grow as a group, being together. It’s not all given. Gabbia? He won’t start, but the goal is to give him some playing time too. In goal? Space for Vicario and not for Donnarumma. In attack, however, there will be Scamacca and Raspadori: they will start, but they must not overdo it because we know Scamacca’s characteristics and ballistics. We know what he can give us: he must stay calm and play a serious game. Dimarco? The opinion spread that he could only play 60-65 minutes. He has done his part to shake off this label, and for quite some time, he has been offering important performances. Tomorrow, I repeat, there will be many changes, and Dimarco is one who rests. It is right to rest these guys because I see them working, and it is right to give space to everyone. I am not giving anything away to those who will play.”

PLAYOFF – “We all want to see Italy at the World Cup. The playoffs? I am honest, my mind is on tomorrow’s match, and I don’t go beyond. I want to see growth, how they train, how well they are together. I expect another important performance.”