BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 5: Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso watches the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at the Stadio di Bergamo on September 5, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
“The important thing is to create chances,” coach Gennaro Gattuso insisted after Italy’s 3-1 victory over Estonia, with his sights firmly set on the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
Estonia got off to a strong start with Moise Kean opening the scoring within five minutes, but then limped off with a sprained right ankle.
Matteo Letegui saved the penalty but made up for it by scoring the second goal with an assist from Riccardo Orsolini.
Francesco Pio Esposito scored his historic first goal for Italy at the age of 20, but Gianluigi Donnarumma fumbled a simple cross to give Estonia a goal, making it 3-1.
Coach Gattuso says Italy has a mission
“The important thing is to create chances. Chances can be missed, penalties can be avoided, but the important thing is to take them,” Gattuso told RAI Sport.
Alessandro Bastoni will be suspended for Tuesday’s crucial game against Israel in Udine after receiving a warning.
“We have to keep going and recover, because as our history shows, we always struggle more in the second leg. We have a lot at stake. If we win, Israel will run away, so we can be more calm and prepare for the playoffs.”
The Azzurri were aware of Norway’s 5-0 thrashing of Israel just before kick-off in Tallinn, so it became almost inevitable that their biggest goal would be to qualify for the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
“We have a mission to grow each game and build confidence by working hard together. Looking at this spirit, we may make some mistakes, but we are very happy with our performance,” continued Gattuso.
“We have to keep pushing and we hope to keep improving. Gijo’s mistake was just a split second. I’ve rarely seen a team dominate so completely for 90 minutes. If anything, it serves as a reminder of the importance of concentration.”
Keane was brought in with a sprained ankle and his participation in the next game against Israel will be seriously doubted.
“We’ll see. He had some pain in his ankle, but I hope it’s nothing serious because we need everyone. At least it’s good that Pio came on and scored,” Gattuso concluded.
Not since 1949 has an Italian manager scored at least three goals in his first three games, let alone won three times.
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