Gennaro Gattuso (foto: Getty Images)
Gennaro Gattuso plans to recall Marco Verratti after nearly three years, as Italy faces decisive World Cup qualifiers and mounting pressure to avoid another historic failure.
Italy face a defining moment.
At the end of March, the four-time World Cup winners must win two decisive qualifying matches to reach the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Any slip would deepen the crisis for a nation that last appeared on the biggest stage in 2014.
Head coach Gennaro Gattuso feels the pressure. In the playoff semi-final, Italy will meet Northern Ireland. A victory would set up a final against either Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina.
According to Italian media, Gattuso has decided to act. He plans to recall Marco Verratti, a midfielder once hailed as one of the finest products of Italian football.
Verratti last played for the national team in June 2023 during the Nations League finals. After leaving Paris Saint-Germain for Al Arabi in Qatar, he faded from the European spotlight. Since July last year, he has represented Al Duhail, recording one goal and four assists in 15 appearances this season.
The 32-year-old has earned 55 caps for Italy. With creativity in short supply, Gattuso sees him as a solution at a time when the margin for error has vanished.
For Italy, this is not only about qualification. This is about restoring pride.