FIFA World Cup 2026 :Canada/Mexico/United States: Discussion Thread

[retreat]

During his career as a manager Gattuso never last long in the particular clubs even the latest is he was messed up in Marseille which caused this team not qualified to the champion league and now surprisingly football federation of Italy has been choose him as Italy manager which this move is very risky
As far as i know Italy not qualified to the world cup 2 times in a row 2018 and 2022 so Italy people are expect this time their country can playing again at the world cup and Italian fans has high expectation to Gatusso

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

[babo]

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

Asked why Ranieri, Pioli, DeRossi and Cannavaro said no.
Easy, it's a mission impossible, very difficult to enter this World Cup in this situation and with little time available.
In fact I think that Italy will fail to qualify, once again. Not a problem. The top brass of the FIGC must be fired.

[Sithara007]

I think it's quite natural that there are people who don't agree with Gattuso being appointed as the new coach of the Italian national team. But I also agree with you that there is no harm in trying someone who may be different from what other people expect. Which means that it is possible that the success of the Italian national team came from Gattuso's hands. Well who knows if that might happen, right? But what is clear is that we cannot judge from now on. We might be able to start assessing when Gattuso starts accompanying the Italian national team in several upcoming matches. And we will see the results and then we can comment.

Agreed. Also, I would say that the coach has a limited role to play in today's national teams. The real issue with Italy is that they simply don't have enough younger players to replace the seniors who retire each year. And also, unlike the case with teams such as France and England, they don't have a very large immigrant population. This means that they have few people in the 15-29 age group, and this is being reflected in the performance of the national team as well as the major clubs.

[Ale88]

I'm Italian and let me tell you that nobody, I repeat, nobody, has high expectations with Gattuso. The problem is that the national team, right now, is so bad that nobody wants to be manager when usually managing your own country should be an honor. Experienced managers like Ranieri and Pioli declined, many others are not available because they just changed team or signed new contracts, Ancelotti gave his word to Brazil, at the end there were Gattuso, Cannavaro and a few other names. Bad names. The only hope is that Gattuso can somehow motivate the players but, as I was saying, the players are pretty bad so if we don't qualify again I wouldn't blame Gattuso, I would blame the whole Italian football federation because they had years and years to change something and they didn't.

There's nothing to expect from FGIC as they never had long-term vision to their national squad. Gattuso is showing how FGIC is not even ready in managing the national squad. They have years to prepare, but clueless in the end.
I respect you as Italian, but your football federation is terrible, bruh. Gravina needs to be changed. Hope italy can play in the WC after they missed it two times in a row. I can only hope Gattuso to bring a miracle.

Trust me, we football fans are very aware that Gravina is the main problem but unfortunately football is just like politics: those who have the power don't want to lose it, they do everything to keep their position. The worst thing is that, as I was explaining, we know what the problems are, we know how to fix them, but we don't. Few people are ruining it for everyone.

[babo]

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

unfortunately it had to go this way
Italian fans are now resigned to seeing the World Cup played by others
the good thing is that the rights in this case do not cost anything and we do not have to pay anything to watch the World Cup
the bad thing is the further embarrassment, but by now we are experts in embarrassing situations

[bastisisca]

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

I would rightly say that there is very little time to assemble a team that must win and convince.
The situation is complicated because of this reason, time.
Even if you had time it would certainly be difficult, with little time it becomes a desperate undertaking.

[yudi09]

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

Gattuso as a reflection that in the modern era of football the character of the Italian game should not be lost. Gattuso is not a perfect coach with a level of fame unlike other coaches, but Italy must have a mentality like the young Gattuso era with his young colleagues.
Last time Italy had Mario Balottelli and hard characters like Italy must grow again, especially in defense.

In 2 matches, 1 win and 1 loss. This shows that Italy must work hard to catch up with the 12 points that Norway has collected.
At least Italy must not be below Israel if it does not want to fail to the World Cup.

[SquallLeonhart]

Asked why Ranieri, Pioli, DeRossi and Cannavaro said no.
Easy, it's a mission impossible, very difficult to enter this World Cup in this situation and with little time available.
In fact I think that Italy will fail to qualify, once again. Not a problem. The top brass of the FIGC must be fired.

Fingers are crossed for Italians soccer team because after every day their system is going down, and they are facing problems which are having huge impact on their structure which needs to be had changes before it faced terrible end. Many big names already reject offer, and now they are having a person who is looking not right for this job but still having his best for remaining games I am still having some faith into them but look like most chances it's going to be third time.

Agreed. Also, I would say that the coach has a limited role to play in today's national teams. The real issue with Italy is that they simply don't have enough younger players to replace the seniors who retire each year. And also, unlike the case with teams such as France and England, they don't have a very large immigrant population. This means that they have few people in the 15-29 age group, and this is being reflected in the performance of the national team as well as the major clubs.

Italy's league was one of the best in UEFA but sadly in last few years it's gone down badly with mostly foreign players are having control of top clubs which are giving setback to their national team while their system is also fail to bring domestic players in front.

Things are looking for big changes but no one is ready to do this Brazil and Italy are both on same page which is big setback for global soccer because both were once beauty of soccer and bring many players those make their mark around soccer world but now still having individuals but as team their performance is badly down who will took charge it's a big question.

[ILuckyGuyI]

Asked why Ranieri, Pioli, DeRossi and Cannavaro said no.
Easy, it's a mission impossible, very difficult to enter this World Cup in this situation and with little time available.
In fact I think that Italy will fail to qualify, once again. Not a problem. The top brass of the FIGC must be fired.

Italy couldn't qualify for the World Cup 2018 and 2022 both. Both of those journeys ended up with an elimination during playoffs.

What will happen this time? Hmm... Honestly it doesn't look great for them once again.    Norway have 4/4 wins while they have 1/2.

I think Norway are very likely to finish the group as leader. Probably Italy will once again need to try their luck with playoffs...

[dezoel]

Gattuso as a reflection that in the modern era of football the character of the Italian game should not be lost. Gattuso is not a perfect coach with a level of fame unlike other coaches, but Italy must have a mentality like the young Gattuso era with his young colleagues.
Last time Italy had Mario Balottelli and hard characters like Italy must grow again, especially in defense.

In 2 matches, 1 win and 1 loss. This shows that Italy must work hard to catch up with the 12 points that Norway has collected.
At least Italy must not be below Israel if it does not want to fail to the World Cup.

I am personally not feeling good about this Italian Federation decision because he is having nothing good under his belt but it's still gambling which can give either result they can go good or they could be at their lowest level which is already having impact on them.

Gattuso can give something encouraging with these new players those are surely needed to be had their best in coming games for keeping their hopes alive to have spot into world's best 48 teams for FIFA World Cup lost against Norway bring good destruction for them but still a good time for them to have fight back and give their best in coming matches. Now their mostly matches are going to be not challenging with Norway is coming in Italy for their next game which will be good for them so they can do something good for having their balance back because without having good results they are down and out.

[joniboini]

Speaking of federation, I think Klavan just lost the election for the Estonian FA presidency. I'm not up to date with how the Estonian FA handles their football, but he seems very disappointed and claims that the FA needs to change to improve Estonian football. At least this shows that politics can affect football deeply, which might affect how the national team performs in the global competition. Even if the short-term prospect looks good, but the long-term politics are bad; participating in the World Cup won't bring significant changes to their national football quality. CMIIW.

[babo]

Fingers are crossed for Italians soccer team because after every day their system is going down, and they are facing problems which are having huge impact on their structure which needs to be had changes before it faced terrible end. Many big names already reject offer, and now they are having a person who is looking not right for this job but still having his best for remaining games I am still having some faith into them but look like most chances it's going to be third time.

Italy couldn't qualify for the World Cup 2018 and 2022 both. Both of those journeys ended up with an elimination during playoffs.

What will happen this time? Hmm... Honestly it doesn't look great for them once again.    Norway have 4/4 wins while they have 1/2.

I think Norway are very likely to finish the group as leader. Probably Italy will once again need to try their luck with playoffs...

the fact that I am highly critical of how everyone is managing modern football
salaries too high
too many games that squeeze the players to the limit
quantity and not quality

so obviously in this scheme there is no space to grow young people, the most important thing is that consequently we have few talents

Talent is not born, it is cultivated

[cande86]

Gattuso can give something encouraging with these new players those are surely needed to be had their best in coming games for keeping their hopes alive to have spot into world's best 48 teams for FIFA World Cup lost against Norway bring good destruction for them but still a good time for them to have fight back and give their best in coming matches. Now their mostly matches are going to be not challenging with Norway is coming in Italy for their next game which will be good for them so they can do something good for having their balance back because without having good results they are down and out.

I remember Gattuso when he played, i remember that he was a player who was like a war dog, he took his goal very seriously and worked very hard towards it.
Among other things, if i am not mistaken, he was one of those who won the world championship, so he is certainly a valid person.

[bastisisca]

Gattuso as a reflection that in the modern era of football the character of the Italian game should not be lost. Gattuso is not a perfect coach with a level of fame unlike other coaches, but Italy must have a mentality like the young Gattuso era with his young colleagues.
Last time Italy had Mario Balottelli and hard characters like Italy must grow again, especially in defense.

In 2 matches, 1 win and 1 loss. This shows that Italy must work hard to catch up with the 12 points that Norway has collected.
At least Italy must not be below Israel if it does not want to fail to the World Cup.

Gattuso, known to us as Rino, is a very strong-willed person and very consistent in achieving his goals.
He is not an aggressive person, he is a feisty person, there is a big difference in this even if it doesn't seem like it.
He is certainly a good coach and perhaps he arrived at the right time.

[yudi09]

-snip-

Gattuso, known to us as Rino, is a very strong-willed person and very consistent in achieving his goals.
He is not an aggressive person, he is a feisty person, there is a big difference in this even if it doesn't seem like it.
He is certainly a good coach and perhaps he arrived at the right time.

The Italian football federation may be in a bad situation but one thing that all Italian supporters want is for the Italian national team to qualify and play in the 2026 World Cup.

If anyone speculates that Gattuso's appointment is a result of what is happening internally, Gattuso will ignore that and focus on the progress of the team he is now coaching.
His former playing colleagues such as Maldini, Totti and others who are still alive will support what Gattuso will do and we are also sure that they will give advice on what Gattuso needs to do.

[retreat]

The condition of the Italian national team is so dire now that even names like Claudio Ranieri, Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro have politely rejected the offer to become the manager of the Italian national team. Gattuso accepting the offer is already a pretty good thing, because even though he may not be the most ideal candidate to manage the Italian national team, his name still carries significant weight in Italian football. This alone can provide some hope for the national team players, who are currently in a difficult position, to at least push forward and qualify for the World Cup.

Gattuso as a reflection that in the modern era of football the character of the Italian game should not be lost. Gattuso is not a perfect coach with a level of fame unlike other coaches, but Italy must have a mentality like the young Gattuso era with his young colleagues.
Last time Italy had Mario Balottelli and hard characters like Italy must grow again, especially in defense.

In 2 matches, 1 win and 1 loss. This shows that Italy must work hard to catch up with the 12 points that Norway has collected.
At least Italy must not be below Israel if it does not want to fail to the World Cup.

Their time is short, and I don't think there's much they can do, because Norway is already way above and they are very likely to qualify for the world cup. So their chances now are only to get second place in the group to be able to get a play-off.. and in the play-off round it's not easy either because they will be playing against 16 teams for 4 tickets to enter the world cup. So I can say that their chances are very slim to be able to qualify for the world cup, only luck can they rely on.

[yudi09]

-snip-

Their time is short, and I don't think there's much they can do, because Norway is already way above and they are very likely to qualify for the world cup. So their chances now are only to get second place in the group to be able to get a play-off.. and in the play-off round it's not easy either because they will be playing against 16 teams for 4 tickets to enter the world cup. So I can say that their chances are very slim to be able to qualify for the world cup, only luck can they rely on.

Lagging 9 points from Norway, who occupies the group I standings of 5 teams, will certainly be difficult for Gattuso. In the match vs Norway, Italy should be able to get points.
But targeting victory in every qualifying match must enter Gattuso's main target even though the Italian team will have to go through the playoffs again.

Only considered a failure if it is not able to finish in second place in the group. If that happens, then the opportunity to the 2026 World Cup will be closed again for them and this must be a responsible party. Blaming Gattuso is not reasonable.

[dezoel]

I remember Gattuso when he played, i remember that he was a player who was like a war dog, he took his goal very seriously and worked very hard towards it.
Among other things, if i am not mistaken, he was one of those who won the world championship, so he is certainly a valid person.

Early predictions are not good for new Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso but sometime things take turn and results are gone on positive side from changes like these possible his early strategy and work is showing he is capable of having some good things for his country.

Even it's still hanging in balance for Italy to have spot into next world cup because I am personally feeling they can go ahead even after having defeat against Norway but nothing is predictable easily because now all teams are doing their best for spot into world cup, so any further lost can give them setback. His managerial career is also not good because his ratio is less than good, but his performance can be good for Italy because now he is setting for new journey which could be having good for his rest of career.

[Lida93]

During his career as a manager Gattuso never last long in the particular clubs even the latest is he was messed up in Marseille which caused this team not qualified to the champion league and now surprisingly football federation of Italy has been choose him as Italy manager which this move is very risky
As far as i know Italy not qualified to the world cup 2 times in a row 2018 and 2022 so Italy people are expect this time their country can playing again at the world cup and Italian fans has high expectation to Gatusso

Gattuso had a better playing career than he has right now as a coach and am not really expecting much from him, He didn't do much at Napoli, or Valencia or in Marseille. So, I really do not see any reason to justify his appointment as coach of the Italian national team boss, but it would be better if he is given the benefit of doubt to see if things might get better for him especially now that the team's chances of qualifying for the world cup is already in jeopardy as a result of Luciano Spalletti's flops during Italy's last encounter with Norway.

[AmoreJaz]

During his career as a manager Gattuso never last long in the particular clubs even the latest is he was messed up in Marseille which caused this team not qualified to the champion league and now surprisingly football federation of Italy has been choose him as Italy manager which this move is very risky
As far as i know Italy not qualified to the world cup 2 times in a row 2018 and 2022 so Italy people are expect this time their country can playing again at the world cup and Italian fans has high expectation to Gatusso

Gattuso had a better playing career than he has right now as a coach and am not really expecting much from him, He didn't do much at Napoli, or Valencia or in Marseille. So, I really do not see any reason to justify his appointment as coach of the Italian national team boss, but it would be better if he is given the benefit of doubt to see if things might get better for him especially now that the team's chances of qualifying for the world cup is already in jeopardy as a result of Luciano Spalletti's flops during Italy's last encounter with Norway.

We can't judge the finality of his coaching career. As you said, give the benefit of the doubt here as he may have not shown his full potential yet as a coach. He was a very good athlete before so we may not be seeing his strategies in play right away as a coach. Give him time and see what he can do for the team. I understand, a lot of people are judgmental. It is still early to make a conclusion of his coaching career, right? Once the team starts winning under his wing, people will surely change their hearts on him.