Gennaro Gattuso has drawn widespread attention with comments questioning the World Cup qualification paths for African and South American teams.
The Italian coach’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny of Italy’s national team, which has endured years of structural challenges, talent shortages, and uncertainty ahead of the upcoming playoffs.
Despite registering five wins in six matches, the Azzurri remain under the microscope, and Gattuso’s frustration has shifted focus onto Italy’s internal struggles rather than the performance of other continents.
Speaking publicly, Gattuso criticised what he described as uneven qualification formats and the rising influence of non-European nations.
“It’s becoming more difficult for Europe because other continents are improving, and the system sometimes does not reward the best teams,” he said.
However, critics argue that Italy’s difficulties are homegrown. Weak youth development, a lack of offensive identity, and systemic stagnation in their domestic leagues are seen as the real culprits behind the national team’s struggles.
Gattuso’s outburst serves as a stark reminder that unless Italian football addresses its own structural deficiencies and reinvents its competitive edge, blaming Africa or South America will do little to halt the country’s ongoing decline.
By: Pascal Amoah
