Gennaro Gattuso returns to Bergamo, the stadium where he began his tenure as Italy head coach six months ago with an emphatic 5-0 win over Estonia. But Friday night’s match carries far greater weight: against Northern Ireland, the Azzurri are playing for a crucial step on the road to the World Cup.
“I have a lot on the line. I’m carrying a whole country on my shoulders,” Gattuso admitted during his pre-match press conference, speaking openly about the pressure that has accompanied him in recent months. “Before I go to sleep and when I wake up, I keep hearing the same phrase: take us to the World Cup.”
Gattuso personally chose to return to Bergamo, once again trusting in the support of the local crowd, with 24,000 fans expected in the stands.
From a squad perspective, the Italy coach said the only players still being assessed are Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Scamacca, while the rest of the group is available. With the possibility of a long and hard-fought night, the team has also been preparing for penalties, with Mateo Retegui identified as first-choice taker.
Much of Italy’s focus will be on the specific threats posed by Northern Ireland, a physical side especially dangerous in the air and on second balls. “They constantly put the ball into the box and attack every situation with real hunger,” Gattuso warned, calling on his players to remain fully switched on for the full 90 minutes.
There will also be special attention on Retegui, who left a strong mark on Bergamo during his time with Atalanta. The Italy striker, who scored twice against Estonia in the last Azzurri match played in the city, returns to a stadium he still holds close.
“I had some beautiful moments here,” Retegui said. “This ground gives me something extra.”
Italy’s top scorer since Gattuso took charge, Retegui revealed he cut short his break and returned early to Coverciano to prepare for what he described as “the most important week of the year.”
His message was clear: “We need to stay calm, control the game and take responsibility. This is the moment to show who we are.”