Italy boss hits back at insulting chants after World Cup qualifying nightmare

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso says he ‘cannot accept’ insulting chants from supporters after the 2-0 win over Moldova on Thursday.

The Italians face a World Cup nightmare with direct qualification almost impossible after Norway defeated Estonia 4-1.

Italy must beat Norway by nine goals in Milan on Sunday to avoid the World Cup play-offs.

Gattuso’s side needed two late goals to see off Moldova and looked destined for a draw before Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito scored.

While the score was still 0-0, a number of Italy fans sang insulting songs about the the Italian Federation, the nation’s players and boss Gattuso.

Speaking after the match, Gattuso told RAI Sport: ‘What do you mean this wasn’t the best Italy performance?

‘I saw the lads dominating the match, Moldova never had a shot on target.

‘If you were expecting an 11-1 like Moldova had against Norway, then that is not my problem. There are no easy matches.

‘I feel bad about what I heard from the crowd today, chants telling us to get to work.

‘This is when we must remain united, the team is doing what they need to do.

‘Coming away from home and hearing 500-odd fans insulting the players, I do not accept that.’

Italy star makes World Cup play-offs admission

Italy star Alessandro Buongiorno is expecting ‘difficult matches’ in the 2026 World Cup play-offs.

The play-offs will take place in March 2026, starting with a semi-final and then the final for a spot at the World Cup tournament next summer.

‘[Our World Cup qualifying campaign has been] really disappointing,’ the Napoli centre-back said.

‘But now we’ve got to focus on ourselves, starting with Norway on Sunday and then whoever we get next.

‘They will certainly be difficult matches, so we’ve got to be ready and give our best.’