Gattuso cautions Italy against complacency before potential World Cup play-offs

Gennaro Gattuso emphasised that Italy must avoid any complacency towards opponents should they enter the play-offs for the 2026 World Cup following their 3-0 victory over Israel on Tuesday.

Mateo Retegui scored a brace while Gianluca Mancini added a late header to secure at least second position in Group I for Italy, where only the top spot guarantees direct entry to next years tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Italy sit three points behind leaders Norway with two matches left. Yet the Norwegians boast a much better goal difference and are anticipated to overcome fourth-placed Estonia before facing Italy.

Norway, set to play at the San Siro in their last group game next month, hold a flawless 18 points from six outings and previously thrashed Italy 3-0 in June.

"The game has evolved, nowadays defeats can come from any side, you see we cannot risk looking down on anyone, particularly given our past experiences," Gattuso remarked to the press.

"We emerge from a period where underestimating foes was impossible, we hold deep respect for all rivals and remain the side committed to proper execution."

The match was overshadowed by a major pro-Palestinian rally that concluded with a minor clash involving police, starting as a mostly calm procession where over 10,000 individuals opposed the games occurrence.

Authorities deployed water cannons and tear gas on a faction of demonstrators causing unrest in Udines streets, marking a turbulent close to weeks of anticipation for an encounter carrying weight beyond mere league points.

Mondays Gaza truce agreement failed to diminish calls for a sports embargo against Israel amid a two-year campaign in the Gaza Strip resulting in over 67,869 Palestinian deaths.

Israels actions in the Gaza Strip stemmed from the October 7, 2023, assault by Palestinian group Hamas on Israel.

Just 10,000 spectators filled the seats at Udines Bluenergy Stadium, with merely a hundred or so backing Israel.

"No use denying it, today proved challenging, for us and for you alike," Gattuso shared with media post-game.

"Numerous days passed where we wondered if the fixture would even proceed. We arrived aware it would lack a festive vibe and we sensed that tension.

"I wish for calmer times ahead. I believe that will happen, unsure what further issues might arise."