Gattuso Questions the Rules
Before facing Moldova, Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso openly criticized the qualification format.
He pointed out that South America sends six teams directly to the World Cup and a seventh into a playoff, calling it “unfair.” After the match, he again targeted UEFA’s rules, saying that in the past the best runners-up could qualify directly.
Fans on 12BET Malaysia echoed the debate, as many followed Italy’s qualification scenario in real time.
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Italy Know Their Fate Before Kickoff
Even before the first whistle, Italy knew their destiny. Norway’s 4–1 win over Estonia meant the Azzurri needed a nine-goal victory over Norway in the final match to top the group.
With a 17-goal deficit in goal difference, Italy’s chance exists only “on paper.”
For bettors tracking live standings via 12BET Malaysia, the odds told the story long before kickoff.
A Win Without Meaning
Gattuso set up a 4-2-4 hoping to chase goals but fielded many rotation players.
Without Kean and Retegui, Italy lacked penetration and relied on endless crosses. Against a team that once lost 1–11 to Norway, Italy struggled to create danger.
Only late assists from Dimarco and Politano saved the result.
It was a match many 12BET Malaysia users described as “a win without purpose.”
Frustration With Fans
During the match, Italian supporters sarcastically sang at their own team, which made Gattuso furious.
He said it was “a disgrace” and insisted he was satisfied with his players’ effort.
But most fans—and analysts including those on 12BET Malaysia—felt the performance showed Italy are far from beating Norway, and far from securing a safe playoff run.
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Italy No Longer Among the Elite
As a hero of the 2006 golden generation, Gattuso must now admit Italy are no longer a world-class team.
While drawing Norway from Pot 2 was unfortunate, all other Pot 1 teams currently top their groups—except Italy.
Even if Italy survive the playoffs, meeting any top-tier team at the World Cup raises real doubts. Analysts on 12BET Malaysia have repeatedly questioned Italy’s identity and tactical direction.
A Few Bright Spots
There were at least positive individual stories.
Gianluca Mancini played despite early discomfort and scored the opener in the 88th minute. His words were powerful:
“This shirt is too beautiful. Unless you take a leg off me, I’m not leaving the pitch.”
The other scorer, young Pio Esposito, netted his first header of the season and expressed hope to end his home scoring drought. Discussions on 12BET Malaysia praised his attitude and energy.
A Crucial Finale Awaits
The final group match against Norway will take place at San Siro, a venue filled with history and pressure.
Gattuso cannot afford another “meaningless match.” This will be a battle for dignity, identity, and Italy’s long-term direction.
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