The head coach of the Italian national team, Gennaro Gattuso, announced that the "Azzurri" are ready for the decisive match against their host, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in the city of Zenica, emphasizing that victory is the only option to ensure a return to the World Cup finals after a 12-year absence.

In the press conference preceding the match, Gattuso emphasized that the Italian team needs to regain its historical identity based on spirit and resilience, saying: "We have become champions in the past even when we were not the strongest, thanks to our fighting spirit and pride."

He added clearly: "I prefer that we be less beautiful in performance but more realistic in securing the result."

Gattuso pointed out that the Italian national team has developed significantly over the past seven months, as the team has become more capable of "sensing danger" and handling the pressures of major matches. Regarding previous criticisms of player Locatelli, the coach clarified that his remarks were purely technical, affirming that the player's performance was good overall and that the starting lineup is now clear in his mind.

Gattuso refused to reveal Moise Kean's partner in the attack line, preferring not to give any advantage to the Bosnian opponent, whose coach, Barbarez, he described as "playing poker" with his strategies and predictions. He described the opponent as a physically and technically strong team, requiring a "great Italy" to secure the qualification ticket.

It is noted that Italy enters this match with the aim of breaking the World Cup absence curse that has haunted them in the past two editions. Qualifying for the 2026 World Cup represents the ultimate goal for the Italian federation and fans after years of international failure.