Gattuso Promises To Leave Italy If The Azzurri's Efforts To The World Cup Fail Again

Gennaro Gattuso bernazar went far from Italy if he failed to bring the team to the 2026 World Cup (Instagram/@azzurri).

JAKARTA - Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso said he might have to live in exile if the Azzurri had not qualified for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

The 2006 World Cup trophy winner began coaching Italy in June 2025 and has helped revive their chances of reaching next year's tournament to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

A 3-0 victory over Israel on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, early in the morning, was Italy's fourth consecutive victory under Gattuso and secured a place in the 2026 World Cup Qualification playoffs.

"I will be proud if I succeed in achieving this goal. Otherwise, I will go and stay away from Italy."

"I've been a bit far (with his residence in Marbella, Spain). I'm going further. Consequently, I realized it," said Gattuso as quoted by ESPN.

Italy is three points behind leaders in Group I, Norway. The Azzurri will play against Moldova on November 13, 2025 and host Norway three days later in the last two 2026 World Cup Qualifiers matches.

Gattuso, despite the pressure that came while coaching the World Cup four-probe winning team, said he was honored to be in a hot position.

"I've said it before, being here is a dream and it's true. There are people who are more experienced than me, with more experience, and that's why I take this call responsibly."

"I have to thank the federation (FIGC), President (Gabriele Gravina), and (Head of Italian Delegation) Gianluigi Buffon."

"I didn't expect to lead the team scoring 16 goals, but praise for the players. I'm less grateful."

"We have to continue to be on this path. Yes, we worked very hard and lacked sleep, but we also did this because when victory came, it was very fun," said Gattuso.