MADRID, SPAIN – APRIL 20: Fabio Capello attends the Sports Mixed Zone ahead of the Laureus World Sports Awards Madrid 2025 at the Palacio de Cibeles on April 20, 2025 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images for Laureus)
Fabio Capello wants Italy to draw with North Macedonia in the World Cup play-off semi-finals and compares Erling Haaland to Azzurri legend Gigi Riva: “If it were you, you’d put the ball into the box…”
Former Italy coach Capello spoke to Gazzetta hours before the World Cup play-off draw, which will reveal Italy’s semi-final opponents for next year’s tournament.
The Azzurri had already passed through a tough qualifying group and changed managers after just two matches, replacing Luciano Spalletti with Gennaro Gattuso, but they lost twice to eventual group winners Norway.
Italy conceded seven goals and scored just one goal in the two games against Erling Haaland’s side.
“Gattuso took charge of the team after the first two games of the group stage and was able to get some good wins and energize the team,” Capello said.
“We didn’t see great football or strong personalities. The loss against Norway left a mark on the players. But Gattuso did what he had to do, and that’s what matters. Against Norway we succumbed again and it made us reevaluate our true abilities.”
Haaland was the highest scorer in European qualifying and Norway had the best attacking power.
Capello compares Haaland and Gigi Riva
“I’m not saying they can win the World Cup, but they have real quality, both as a team and in terms of talent,” Capello said.
“There’s a phenomenon with them, Haaland. It reminds me a little bit of when we had Gigi Riva in Italy. You throw the ball into the box and he takes care of it. He’s a reference point, he gives you confidence. And in the final match, without pressure, they played differently, because with pressure your arms tend to get stiff.”
Italy took the lead in Sunday’s second match against Norway, but the visitors rallied strongly in the second half and scored four goals.
“The first half at San Siro showed him that the team can contribute more and be competitive,” Capello claimed.
“In the second half, unfortunately, he got the idea the other way…”
Italy are currently awaiting their play-off opponents and will face North Macedonia, Romania, Sweden or Northern Ireland in the semi-finals.
Capello names North Macedonia as Italy’s best opponent in World Cup play-off draw
“Even after the experience in 2022, I think North Macedonia is better, even for revenge,” Capello said.
North Macedonia already eliminated Italy in the World Cup playoffs four years ago.
“Gattuso is someone who has to exorcise ghosts, even if he doesn’t have the time,” Capello added.
“Italy must prepare with confidence. The team needs to find it again. But the mental side is the most difficult part. We train and prepare the body, but the mind is more difficult. We have to instill in the players the belief and the spirit of the Azzurri shirt.”
Regarding the possibility of a final, Capello added, “I would like to avoid Poland because they have Lewandowski and it is difficult to defend against a top striker. I would prefer Slovakia.”
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