Italy secured a 2-0 victory over Moldova in Chisinau during their penultimate match, marking their first time winning six consecutive World Cup qualifiers. Despite this, Gattuso's team is likely to finish second in their group, facing playoffs for the third consecutive time. To secure the top spot, they must defeat Norway by a 9-goal margin in their final match at San Siro on 16/11.

Each World Cup qualification group grants only one direct spot to the top team, while the second-placed team must compete in playoffs. If two teams have equal points, goal difference is the primary tie-breaker to determine their position.

"In my era, the best second-placed teams qualified directly. Now, things have changed", Gattuso stated after the Moldova victory. "If you want to change the rules, you must speak to the organizers. Six wins are still not enough? Ask those who create the groups and regulations".

Coach Gennaro Gattuso (left) reacts during Italy's 2-0 victory over Moldova in their penultimate match of group I in the European world cup 2026 qualifiers. *Imago*

In the world cup 2018 qualifiers, Italy finished second in their group behind Spain, then lost 0-1 on aggregate to Sweden in the playoffs. A similar scenario unfolded in the world cup 2022 qualifiers, as former coach Roberto Mancini's team finished second in their group behind Switzerland before losing 0-1 to North Macedonia in the playoff match.

FIFA allocated Europe 16 spots for the 48-team World Cup. However, Gattuso argues that the current allocation and competition mechanism is creating unfairness. He cited examples: "In 1990, only two African teams participated in the World Cup, then three teams in 1994. Now it's 9 teams. I am not complaining, but it creates difficulties, and everyone understands that. In South America, 6 out of 10 teams qualify directly, with the seventh team entering a playoff against an Oceania representative. This brings regret and sadness. The system in Europe needs to change".

Beyond the issue of qualification, Gattuso also faced questions regarding his team's performance. On the field, Italy maintained 70% possession and took 25 shots with 9 on target, compared to Moldova's 3 shots with one on target. However, the visiting team struggled, waiting until the 88th minute to open the scoring through Gianluca Mancini's header, before Francesco Pio Esposito sealed the victory in injury time.

"Do you mean Italy played poorly?" Gattuso reacted strongly when questioned by a reporter about the team's unconvincing performance. "I saw Italy control the entire match; Moldova had no shots on target. If someone expects an 11-1 scoreline like Norway versus Moldova, that is not my concern. There are no easy matches".

What bothered Gattuso most were the jeers from a small section of Italian fans present at the stadium. "I am sad because I heard them shout things like 'fight'", he said. "This is a time when we must unite. The team did what needed to be done. Playing away, and being insulted by a few hundred people, I cannot accept that".

Hong Duy (via ESPN, Football Italy)