Italy's World Cup opponent: A tough one!
2 hours ago
[Now Sports] After the draw for the European qualifying play-offs for the World Cup, Italy will first face Northern Ireland in Group A. Only a victory will give them a chance to face the winner of the Bosnia-Wales match in the final. Coach Gatosso, upon learning of the draw results, believes Northern Ireland is a team with an indomitable spirit.
Gennaro Gattuso's initial reaction to Italy's draw against Northern Ireland was that the team possesses an indomitable spirit, is very tough, and physically demanding. However, Italy will still strive to qualify from the playoffs, improve and enhance their strength, and confidently face the playoff period.
Regarding the Italian Football Federation's intention to call up players earlier to allow more time to prepare for the World Cup playoffs, Gattuso said, "This is not my decision; we have a chairman, and this matter must be discussed with the clubs. Of course, the longer the training period, the better for the team."
As for the issue of Federico Chiesa, Gattuso reiterated that it was the player himself who refused to play for the national team, therefore it was not a problem with the coaching staff.
World Cup Qualifying Play-offs:
European Play-offs
: A.
Italy vs. Northern Ireland
vs.
Wales vs. Bosnia;
B.
Ukraine vs. Sweden vs.
Albania
vs. Poland
; C.
Turkey vs. Romania
vs.
Kosovo vs. Slovakia
; D.
Denmark vs. North Macedonia
vs.
Czech Republic vs. Ireland.
Intercontinental Play-offs:
New Caledonia vs. Jamaica; Bolivia vs.
Suriname.
Final:
New Caledonia/Jamaica vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
; Bolivia/Suriname vs. Iraq.
Regarding the Italian Football Federation's intention to call up players earlier to allow more time to prepare for the World Cup playoffs, Gattuso said, "This is not my decision; we have a chairman, and this matter must be discussed with the clubs. Of course, the longer the training period, the better for the team."
As for the issue of Federico Chiesa, Gattuso reiterated that it was the player himself who refused to play for the national team, therefore it was not a problem with the coaching staff.
World Cup Qualifying Play-offs:
European Play-offs
: A.
Italy vs. Northern Ireland
vs.
Wales vs. Bosnia;
B.
Ukraine vs. Sweden vs.
Albania
vs. Poland
; C.
Turkey vs. Romania
vs.
Kosovo vs. Slovakia
; D.
Denmark vs. North Macedonia
vs.
Czech Republic vs. Ireland.
Intercontinental Play-offs:
New Caledonia vs. Jamaica; Bolivia vs.
Suriname.
Final:
New Caledonia/Jamaica vs. Democratic Republic of Congo
; Bolivia/Suriname vs. Iraq.
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