Boss Gennaro Gattuso has said that “only someone without blood running through their veins” would not feel nervous as Italy attempt to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in 12 years.
Gattuso also said there would be “no alibis” if the Azzurri fail to reach a third consecutive finals ahead of their semi-final playoff against Northern Ireland on Thursday.
Italy, who lifted the trophy in 2006 and won the European Championship in 2021, take on Michael O’Neill’s side in Bergamo knowing a victory would see them face either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a spot at the tournament this summer.
Ahead of game, Gattuso, who was part of the triumphant 2006 squad, admitted there would be nerves among his players and staff.
“It’s undeniable that there’s nervousness,” Gattuso said.
“Only someone without blood running through their veins wouldn’t feel it. But we need to do a good job of transmitting a lot of positivity.”
He added: “There are no alibis.
“It’s useless to think if we could have done better. The only thing we should be thinking about is Thursday’s game. Forget that we’ve won four World Cups, two Euros and an Olympic title. For us, the only game is Thursday’s.
“All of the players that are here today know what we’re playing for and how important it is.”
One player, Federico Chiesa, will not play any part in the match having left the squad on Monday.
In a statement, the Italian Football Federation said the Liverpool man “was assessed on arrival at the Federal Technical Centre and deemed unavailable for the next two matches.
“In agreement with his club, he has left the squad. Bologna winger Nicolo Cambiaghi has been called up as his replacement.”
Speaking about Chiesa’s departure, Gattuso said: “On a physical level, he had a few problems and we decided that there was no point in him staying”
Chiesa has not featured for the national team for close to two years, and in November elected to turn down a call-up to Gattuso’s squad.
“I must respect what the player tells me,” Gattuso said at the time.
“I often talk to him. We have to respect the decisions we make and the issues we have.
“We know well what we tell each other, and I must respect what the player tells me. I can’t say anything else.”
