"Italy "can't afford" another failed World Cup qualifying attempt and head coach Gennaro Gattuso "must be supported", according to Gianfranco Zola. The four-time world champions are set to appear in the play-offs for next year's tournament, having finished second behind Norway in their qualifying group. Italy will play Northern Ireland in the semi-finals on March 26 and, should they progress, will face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final three days later."
""The history of our football can't afford this, and therefore, everyone, including the press, has to play a role and help create the right atmosphere," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "We're not to be thrown away, and we weren't before either, but we have to be there, because having already missed two was a heavy blow. Gattuso must be supported, even by luck.""
Italy faces the World Cup play-offs after finishing second behind Norway and will meet Northern Ireland in the semi-final on March 26. The play-off final, if reached, will be against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina three days later. Qualification would place Italy in Group B with Canada, Qatar and Switzerland. The four-time world champions missed the 2018 and 2022 tournaments and must avoid a third successive absence. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso requires unified support to guide the team through the play-offs. In Serie A, Inter lead with Napoli two points behind in third as Napoli chase consecutive Scudetti.
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