Will 'risky' Gattuso lead Italy back to World Cup?
Champions. Group Stage. Group Stage.
Did not qualify. Did not qualify. Since winning the World Cup for the fourth time in 2006, Italy's record at football's biggest tournament has been dismal.
Champions. Group Stage. Group Stage.
Did not qualify. Did not qualify. Since winning the World Cup for the fourth time in 2006, Italy's record at football's biggest tournament has been dismal.
Despite winning the delayed Euros in 2021, Italy have not even qualified for a World Cup since 2014, which feels staggering for a nation of their stature. Now, Gennaro Gattuso, a midfielder from the 2006 side who has managed 10 clubs in 12 years, has been tasked with ending the wait to return to the biggest stage. He leads his side against Northern Ireland in a play-off semi-final on Thursday, 26 March, with the winners taking on Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina on 31 March for a place at this summer's tournament.