Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is ‘optimistic’ about tonight’s game against Northern Ireland, particularly because of Gennaro Gattuso’s ‘new’ approach, but warns that opponents deserve respect: ‘If you think it’s easy, then it will all become more difficult.’
Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in a massive World Cup play-off semifinal tonight.
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“I’m optimistic for a simple reason: Gattuso has chosen a new path that will give great results, I’m sure about it,” Prandelli, a former Italy coach and 2012 Euro Finalist, told Gazzetta.
“He’s had a direct relationship with the players. They didn’t even give him a stage, two days to spend with the team. So what did he do? He toured Italy and Europe, meeting all his players.
“At lunch, for dinner, like being among friends, not necessarily talking about football. It’s easy for him because he’s a nice person who pays attention to these nuances.”
Prandelli can already see the positive effects of Gattuso’s approach: “The players feel they are part of a family, a united group, where some things matter more than tactics,” he said.
BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Players of Italy during the National Anthem during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
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“Because of any incident, like a goal conceded after one minute, or hitting the post, any project is blown up, but the group remains.
“Historically, when we win, it is because the team spirit has been created. The Azzurri no longer felt abandoned; while around them, that was the feeling. Rino could not work with them until Monday, so he decided to proceed differently.”
NATAL, BRAZIL – JUNE 24: Head coach Cesare Prandelli of Italy reacts during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group D match between Italy and Uruguay at Estadio das Dunas on June 24, 2014 in Natal, Brazil. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
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Italy are the clear favourites in tonight’s clash, but this doesn’t mean the opponent should be overlooked.
“We are superior, but the same was true in the past, and we were left disappointed,” Prandelli concluded.
“Now everyone expects success, but football doesn’t work this way. Our opponents deserve the utmost respect. If you think it’s easy, then it will all become more difficult.”
