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The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs begin this week, with Italy facing Northern Ireland in the semi-final on Thursday. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso has prioritized mental preparation over tactics, urging his players to move past the trauma of past failures.
Gattuso addressed the squad ahead of the crucial fixture: "Before tactics, we need the right mindset. We must leave the 2022 disaster behind us."
Italy's failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup — eliminated by North Macedonia in the playoffs — remains one of the most painful episodes in Italian football history. The team is under immense pressure to avoid a repeat.
Potential final opponents: The winner will face either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina on March 31 for a spot at the World Cup.
Antoine Griezmann is set to sign a two-year deal (with a one-year option) with Orlando City SC. The French international star's move to MLS marks a new chapter in his career.
Liverpool forward Federico Chiesa has left the Italy squad due to physical problems, creating an additional selection headache for Gattuso.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. For the first time in history, 48 teams will participate. The playoff round will determine the last remaining qualification spots.
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