Italy have a huge task ahead of themselves today, as they look to put the ghosts of the last two World Cups behind in a playoff final against Bosnia.
The Azzurri did show signs of nervousness against Northern Ireland but managed to come through, winning 2-0. Their opponents had to go past Wales in an intense tie, which ended in a penalty shootout.
In a way, Gattusoโs side are potentially at the cusp of history. No previous winner of the World Cup has ever missed out on qualification for the tournament three times in a row. They would want to avoid that fate today, with the ex-midfielder vocal about what it would mean to everyone.
He told Rai, via Alfredo Pedulla:ย โThe eyes of the guys Iโve met so far are good, because weโve been together all these days and the atmosphere has always been positive.
โTonight weโre playing an important match, and weโve prepared well, knowing weโre playing against a team with technique and physicality. Itโll take a great performance from us.โ
He further claimed that some players would be willing to do everything for qualification and wouldnโt want to suffer in silence, in case of failure.
โThe guys are the ones who want to go to the World Cup in the first place: if the results donโt come, they suffer in silence; they pretend to have broad shoulders, but thatโs not the case. I can assure you that theyโll do everything: there are people who would give their life and soul to achieve this goal.โ
The Azzurri are expected to be unchanged for the game, with the manager not willing to take too many risks for a tie that can define the nationโs history.
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Kaustubh Pandey โ GIFN
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