Italy vs. Israel: Gattuso's Perfection Pressure

UDINE, MONDAY – Once doubted, Gennaro Gattuso has proven capable of guiding Italy back on the path to the World Cup. Gattuso has successfully navigated three matches as coach, achieving three consecutive victories. Gattuso's perfection is under significant pressure as the qualification for the 2026 World Cup approaches its final stages.

In facing Israel, Italy is expected to maintain a positive trend to avoid the scenario of failing to qualify for the World Cup for three consecutive times. However, Italy has a slight advantage as they are acting as the host. The match against Israel will take place at the Bluenergy Stadium, Udine, on Wednesday (15/10/2025) at 01:45 WIB.

Victory is crucial for Italy to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup as runners-up in Group I. The Azzurri are unlikely to catch Norway, the group leader with 18 points. However, they still have hope of qualifying for the World Cup via the playoffs. The prerequisite is that Italy must secure the runners-up spot in the group, ahead of Israel.

The two teams are currently separated by just three points. However, Israel has played one more match. Therefore, a victory over Israel would almost certainly see Italy finish as runners-up in the group. Israel certainly won't let Italy cruise to a runners-up finish that easily.

Intense resistance is predicted to be on display. In the first meeting, Israel troubled Italy significantly with quick counterattacks. The match ultimately ended with Italy winning, 5-4, but Israel's fighting spirit in trying to catch up deserves Gattuso's attention.

Despite having scored 13 goals in three matches, all resulting in victories, Gattuso is under considerable pressure ahead of the match against Israel. Failing to qualify for two consecutive editions of the World Cup has left a particular anxiety among the Italian public.

Moreover, Italy's failure to qualify for the Qatar World Cup came after achieving perfection in their first three qualifying matches. However, they failed to maintain their consistency, ultimately finishing as group runners-up and losing in the playoff against North Macedonia.

That experience teaches the Italian public that even perfection cannot guarantee them a ticket to the World Cup. Therefore, the pressure on Gattuso to maintain the consistency of his team's performance and to uphold perfection is increasingly significant as the match against Israel approaches.

We have a lot at stake. If we win, Israel will be eliminated, and we can prepare for the playoffs with more peace of mind.

Mistakes such as failing to anticipate Israel's counterattacks should be addressed by Gattuso. While Italy's front line is becoming increasingly sharp, the defense remains an area that needs improvement.

In order to maintain the perfection of his team, Gattuso stated that he would set aside his ego regarding tactical choices. Throughout his coaching career, Gattuso has been less compatible with a three-defender system. However, he is willing to compromise by implementing a four-defender system if it is indeed the best option for achieving victory.

"We have to continue like this, recover, because history shows we always struggle more in the second leg. We have a lot at stake. If we win, Israel will be eliminated, and we can prepare for the playoffs with more peace of mind," said the former AC Milan and Napoli coach, as quoted by Football Italia, Monday (10/13/2025).

Pressure on Gattuso's perfection comes, among others, from former Italian national team player, Paulo Di Canio. In the latest match, Italy successfully won 3-1 against Estonia at home. However, that victory did not impress Di Canio much. He believes that Italy's style of play is not yet at the level it should be.

"If I am pleased with a victory like this, it means I am placing Italy somewhere between Bosnia and Herzegovina and North Macedonia. With all due respect, I believe we are stronger than that," said Di Canio.

"A few weeks ago, we did not deserve to defeat Israel and only won 5-4 in the final moments. Meanwhile, Norway should have been able to beat them 12-0. I cannot get too carried away," he added.

Di Canio's criticism is reasonable, but it does not necessarily need to be taken into account by Gattuso. Winning by any score is the primary objective that Italy should pursue. Furthermore, several key players are unable to be fielded. Defender Alessandro Bastoni is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, while forward Moise Kean is suffering from an ankle injury sustained during the match against Estonia.

The absence of Bastoni opens up opportunities for Matteo Gabbia to play. Additionally, there is Gianluca Mancini who can also play as a center-back. With the absence of several key players, it is unlikely that Gattuso will experiment in such an important match.

"We will see later whether the system changes. However, we have people who are ready. We will arrive tomorrow morning in Udine. So, we need to rest and see how everyone recovers, then decide," said Gattuso.