Milan, Italy, March 25, (V7N) — Italy’s national football team is desperate to end a 12-year absence from the World Cup as they face Northern Ireland in a crucial play-off semi-final on Thursday. The Azzurri are determined not to miss out on a third consecutive World Cup after failing to qualify for the past two editions in Russia and Qatar.

Coach Gennaro Gattuso, who took over from the volatile Luciano Spalletti, has steadied the ship but Italy's struggles in Group I are evident. They finished second in the group but suffered two heavy defeats to group leaders Norway, highlighting the challenges the national team has faced since winning the World Cup two decades ago.

Italy's failure to progress past the group stage in 2010 and 2014, and the subsequent failure to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, has cast a shadow over the nation’s footballing pride. As rivals like France and Spain continue to shine, Italy's lack of recent success has led to a crisis of confidence in the sport.

With Italy’s clubs also struggling in this season’s Champions League, missing out on this year’s World Cup, which will be held in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, would be seen as a significant blow to Italian football.

"I really hope with all my heart that we can reach this goal, this group of players deserves it," Gattuso said during a press conference on Monday. "We can't stress the lads, they're well aware of what the stakes are. There will obviously be a bit of tension but we have to make sure we transmit positivity."

Injury Woes for Italy

The pressure on Gattuso is compounded by a number of injury concerns, with key players facing fitness battles ahead of the vital match. Midfielder Sandro Tonali, who picked up a groin injury in Newcastle United’s Champions League exit against Barcelona, is a major doubt for Thursday’s play-off. Gattuso remains hopeful that Tonali will be available for training, but his participation is far from certain.

Federico Chiesa, a crucial figure for Italy, was also ruled out of the squad after medical staff deemed him unfit to play. Chiesa, who hasn’t featured for Italy since their disappointing European Championship title defense in 2024, decided to return home, and Gattuso accepted his decision, bringing in Bologna's Nicolo Cambiaghi as a replacement.

In addition to Chiesa and Tonali’s injuries, Atalanta striker Gianluca Scamacca and central defenders Alessandro Bastoni and Gianluca Mancini are also recovering from injuries, with Gattuso expressing concern over the fitness of Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori.

With so many uncertainties around his squad, Gattuso is hoping for a smooth, drama-free encounter on Thursday to give Italy the best chance of securing a place in the final, where they would face either Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina.

As the stakes continue to rise, the pressure on Gattuso and his players is immense. This match is more than just a qualification decider—it's a chance for Italy to reclaim their place among football's elite after years of heartache.

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