Italy's recent World Cup record paints a stark picture: a championship followed by two group stage eliminations and two failures to qualify. This sums up their performance over the last five tournaments.

Despite their Euro 2020 triumph, Italy has not qualified for a World Cup since 2014, an astonishing fact for one of the world's most storied football nations.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso during a press conference in Florence, Italy on 23/3/2026. Photo: NurPhoto

Gennaro Gattuso, a pivotal player in Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, is now tasked with reversing this trend. He will lead Italy in their play-off semi-final against Northern Ireland on 26/3. The victor will then face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina on 31/3 for a chance to secure a ticket to North America this summer.

Italy's 2026 World Cup qualification campaign faced an early setback when Luciano Spalletti unexpectedly resigned in 6/2025, following disappointing performances at Euro 2024.

Italian football journalist Daniele Verri noted that the Italian Football Federation had limited options to replace Spalletti. Despite leading Napoli to a Serie A title, Spalletti was reportedly perceived as overwhelming players with excessive tactical details.

Claudio Ranieri was considered a candidate, but negotiations stalled, leaving Gattuso as the most viable choice. Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary goalkeeper and now the team's technical coordinator, fully endorsed his former teammate.

Since beginning his coaching career in 2013, Gattuso has managed various clubs including AC Milan, Valencia, and Marseille, but has not remained at any post for longer than two years. His most notable achievement is winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso with the Napoli coaching staff celebrating the Coppa Italia title at the Olympic Stadium in Rome on 17/6/2020. Photo: AFP

Verri described Gattuso's appointment in 6/2025 as a gamble. "Gattuso possesses personality, charisma, and is a world champion. While he lacks extensive national team coaching experience, he instills the right motivation and spirit," Verri remarked.

Under Gattuso, Italy won 5 of 6 matches, yet it was insufficient for direct World Cup 2026 qualification, as they finished behind Norway. Despite this, Verri believes the 48-year-old coach has performed well, stating: "A coach cannot solve every problem."

Verri highlighted that Italy's consecutive World Cup absences, following play-off defeats to Sweden and North Macedonia, are not coincidental. "The quality of Italian football has declined. There's a shortage of young talent, a slow playing style at club level, and limited progress in European competitions. This represents a systemic problem," Verri explained.

Ahead of the Northern Ireland match, Gattuso's attempt to hold a team meeting was unsuccessful. Instead, he personally visited players competing in England, Italy, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. His goal was to discuss individual expectations and objectives, fostering team unity. "That's how he builds a cohesive group, and he has done it effectively," Verri stated.

Italy's coaching staff now includes Leonardo Bonucci, the former Euro 2020 winning captain, alongside Buffon and Gattuso, forming a highly experienced and successful core.

Gennaro Gattuso, Gianluigi Buffon, and Leonardo Bonucci are all working to bring Italian football back to its peak. Photo: Facebook / Leonardo Bonucci

Having missed the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, Italy now confronts another precarious qualification path. Historically, no World Cup champion has ever failed to qualify for three consecutive tournaments.

Italy enters their match against Northern Ireland in Bergamo as favorites. Should they win, they will face a challenging away fixture against either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

"No match is easy. Italy possesses quality, but they must exercise caution in a do-or-die encounter," Verri observed.

For Gattuso, these play-offs could be career-defining. Failure would necessitate a complete reassessment for Italy, while success could elevate him to a hero, guiding the "Azzurri" back to football's grandest stage.

"Italy is always expected to compete in every match. Should they qualify, Gattuso will earn immense affection from the fans," Verri concluded.

By Hong Duy (from BBC)