Gennaro Gattuso’s adventure as head coach of the national team has begun with enthusiasm and determination. After the meeting with federal president Gabriele Gravina and the acceptance of the position, the former Italian midfielder is prepared to embark on a new chapter in his career, this time from the sideline. The first formal remarks will be delivered on Thursday, during the presentation press conference. But, as Gattuso knows well, what truly counts are the results. And they will arrive beginning in September, when Italy returns to the field for the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The new management's debut is scheduled on September 5 against Estonia, followed by a delicate match against Israel on September 8th. The scenario in the group is not easy: Italy is now third, behind Israel (with one more match played) and group leader Norway. The minimum goal is second place, which would assure qualification for the playoffs in March 2026. However, in order to achieve this, a positive series of five victories will be required, culminating in the direct match against Norway on November 16. To even compete for first place and hence direct qualifying, the Azzurri must defeat Haaland and his teammates while also overcoming their current goal differential disadvantage of 12 goals (-1 for Italy and +11 for Norway). If Italy were to finish in third place, their chances of qualifying would rest almost entirely on the Nations League play-off route. In such event, the margin would be narrow: only the group winners from the Nations League who fail to qualify directly will be admitted to the playoffs. A difficult journey that Gattuso will have to tackle with his customary battling attitude. From September onward, victories will be more important than intentions. And Italy, after recent disappointments, must re-establish its belief in itself.