Gennaro Gattuso ready to adapt as Italy chase crucial World Cup points

Italy are second in their 2026 World Cup qualifying group, still trailing Norway, and know they cannot afford any slip-ups when they travel to Estonia on Saturday before hosting Israel in Udine next Tuesday.

Gattuso's start in charge has been eventful, with his side crushing Estonia 5–0 before narrowly defeating Israel 5–4 in a thriller. The Italian boss has said the team must show more defensive discipline if they are to stay on course for qualification.

"There are many things we need to fix," Gattuso said during his pre-match press conference. "It's not just about the defence, but about being able to sniff out danger in all areas of the pitch. We allowed Israel back into the game, and we were lucky to take the result home.

"We need to improve our attitude, it's not only about tactics."

Luciano Spalletti often rotated between a three-man and four-man defence during his spell in charge, but Gattuso has so far preferred a back four. However, he hinted he could switch systems depending on the opposition.

"A coach must be able to do it all," he added. "I don't really like a three-man defence much, but that doesn't matter. I will always choose what is best for the team. The situation is improving, the players now have more minutes in their legs."

Italy's defensive lapses, including two own goals against Israel, have prompted concern. Gattuso explained that changes in modern defending require time to adapt. "Most defences now work on reference points rather than sectors.

"We must find a balance, man-marking is more difficult in modern football," he said.

When asked about pairing two strikers, Gattuso was cautious. "It would be madness to change what has worked, but we'll see what the training sessions tell us. Today was only the first."

With two decisive matches ahead, Gattuso knows Italy's qualification hopes depend on finding the right balance between attack and defensive stability.