Ahead Of The Match Against Israel, Gennaro Gattuso Reminds Italian Players Not To Be Involved In External Affairs

Coach Gennaro Gattuso asked the Italian national team players to focus on fighting Israel. (Instagram @gttuso1)

JAKARTA - Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso admits the atmosphere of the World Cup qualifying match against Israel next week is far from ideal.

He reminded his players not to be influenced by external situations and to stay focused on improving performance even though his team recorded a perfect start under his leadership.

"We have to concentrate on not being carried away by things that come from outside. The atmosphere is not good, but we have to focus on doing our part," Gattuso said in a press conference as reported by the Italian Football page on Wednesday.

Italy will face Estonia in Tallinn on Sunday this week, before hosting Israel at the Friuli Stadium, Udine, next Wednesday.

The match will be held with tight security and a limited number of spectators, following major demonstrations in various Italian cities in recent weeks in protest against Israeli attacks on Gaza.

"We know there won't be a lot of spectators in Udine, and I understand that concern," Gattuso continued.

"However, we still have to play, because if we don't, we will be given an automatic 0-3 defeat."

This tense security situation comes amid the increasing conflict in the Middle East.

"Seeing what happened is really painful," said Gattuso again. "We knew there would be about 10,000 people outside the stadium and only 6,000 people allowed to be inside."

Italy is now in second place in Group I standings with nine points, equal to Israel. However, Gli Azzurri has one game less than Norway which tops the group 15 points.

Gattuso recorded two wins from his first two matches as Italy coach, including a dramatic 5-4 victory over Israel in Hungary last September through decisive Sandro Tonali in the final minute.

Although the results are perfect, Gattuso assesses that there are still many things that need to be addressed.

"There are many things we have to fix. This is not just a matter of defense, but a matter of how to recognize the dangers in all areas of the field," he said.

"But of course there is a positive side too. We ourselves make room for Israel to rise, and we are lucky enough to be able to bring home that victory. We have to improve our stance, not just a tactical system."