La Gazzetta dello Sport reports that Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso sought to lift his players’ spirits after Sunday’s 4-1 loss against Norway: ‘Do you want to convince yourself that you are strong?’
Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso was not harsh on his players after a 4-1 loss to Norway on Sunday, instead trying to comfort his team despite a heavy home defeat.
Clearly, neither Gattuso nor the players were pleased with the outcome, but the coach still tried to maintain the team’s confidence high.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy, issues instructions 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)
“We are strong, you are strong. Do you want to convince yourself of that?” Gattuso reportedly said in the dressing room at full-time.
Italy will learn their World Cup playoff opponents on Thursday. The Azzurri are a seeded team in the draw, so they will play the semifinal at home against one of these four teams: Sweden, North Macedonia, Romania or Northern Ireland.
The World Cup playoff semifinals and final will be played in March next year.
MILAN, ITALY – NOVEMBER 16: Erling Haaland of Norway celebrates after scoring 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)
“You have to believe in it,” Gattuso continued in his post-match dressing room speech.
According to the report, Gattuso is aware that there are contradictions in the team. Physical tests are positive, but the psychological resilience is a matter of concern.