Gattuso Faces Exile Threat if Italy Fails to Qualify for World Cup
By: Adriana Garcia
Date: October 16, 2025, 05:05 AM ET
Gennaro Gattuso, the manager of the Italian national football team, has indicated he might have to “live in exile” if the Azzurri do not qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. Having taken over as head coach in June 2025, the 2006 World Cup champion has made strides in revitalizing Italy’s hopes for the upcoming tournament set to take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Italy secured a critical 3-0 victory against Israel on Tuesday, marking Gattuso’s fourth consecutive win and earning a spot in the qualification playoffs for the 2026 World Cup.
“If I reach the goal, I will take the credit; otherwise, I will leave Italy,” stated Gattuso, who is 47 years old. “Currently, I live a bit far away [in Marbella, Spain], and if needed, I will go even farther. I am aware of the consequences.”
The Azzurri trail Group I leaders Norway by three points, with their next matches against Moldova on November 13 and a crucial home game against Norway three days later.
Despite the mounting pressure that comes with coaching a four-time World Cup-winning team, Gattuso expressed pride in his role. “It is a dream to be here, and I mean it,” he mentioned. “There were others with more coaching experience who could have taken this role, so I view it as a significant responsibility. I must thank the Federation, its president Gabriele Gravina, and Gianluigi Buffon for this opportunity. I didn’t anticipate leading the team to 16 goals, but the players deserve the credit. I claim very little of it.”
Gattuso concluded, “We need to remain focused on this trajectory. Yes, we work hard and get little sleep, but when victories come, it feels incredible.”
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