Gattuso demands 'maximum commitment' from Italy ahead of Moldova test
With just two games of their World Cup qualifying campaign left, Italy and Gennaro Gattuso take on Moldova in their penultimate group game.
Gennaro Gattuso wants to see "maximum commitment" from his Italy players ahead of their two huge World Cup qualifiers this month.
Italy are preparing for their upcoming clash with Moldova at Stadionul Zimbru, knowing a win will see them seal a play-off spot for FIFA's flagship tournament next year.
They then welcome Group I leaders Norway to Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, with the possibility of overhauling at the summit, albeit a very slim one.
Gattuso's men have a significantly lower goal difference compared to Norway (+10 to +26), who are the top scorers in the UEFA section of qualifying with 29 goals in six games.
The Azzurri have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the World Cup in Russia and Qatar, and Gattuso has urged his players to leave it all on the field against Moldova.
"This won't be a simple outing; I want to see maximum commitment to continue what we started in September," Gattuso told a pre-match press conference.
"Against Moldova, we'll try out players who haven't had much playing time, but we have to think about ourselves and not about what Norway will do.
"The match against Moldova is the most important because the one against Norway is easier to prepare for.
"We know that this Norwegian team can cause us problems, with their speed, their physical presence, their exceptional style of football."
Italy have won all six of their previous meetings with Moldova, conceding just three times while scoring 17 goals, two of which came in their last clash back in June.
But Gattuso will be without Fiorentina striker Moise Kean, who has scored six goals in his last four appearances for Italy, but was injured while playing for the Serie A side.
Federico Chiesa also opted against playing for his country during the final international break. The Liverpool attacker has not represented Italy since the 2024 Euros.
However, there will be reason for optimism among the Italian squad, with Gattuso reviving their hopes of reaching the World Cup since replacing Luciano Spalletti.
Since his arrival, Gattuso has led Italy to four consecutive wins while also scoring 16 goals, with their 18 overall only bettered by five UEFA nations in qualifying.
