The Italy coach lashes out at the supporters in Chisinau who criticized the team before the late goals: “If you’re still stuck on Norway’s 11-1 win, that’s not my problem. I saw an Italy team that played well.”

“What I heard today is a disgrace, I won’t accept it.” After the painful 0-2 defeat in Chisinau against Moldova, which, combined with Norway’s victory over Estonia, will force Italy to play in the playoffs to qualify for the World Cup, Italy coach Rino Gattuso lashes out at the Italian ultras, who, in the 73rd minute, began to protest against the team, still stuck at 0-0. “I saw an Italy team that played, and they never shot on goal: there are no easy games, if you stayed at 11-1 (Norway’s score against Moldova), that’s not my problem. I am very satisfied, let’s move on,“ Gattuso told Rai. ”Rather, the fans’ protests are a disgrace. I am sorry for what I heard today. This is not the time to tell the players to go to work: we need to be united because the team is struggling on the field, and I cannot accept hearing 500 fans protesting away from home.”

The national team coach then analyzed the impact of the two center forwards who came on, Retegui and Pio Esposito, after the difficulties shown by Scamacca and Raspadori: “Putting 11 new players on from the first minute today, I thought we might even lose it: when you change so much… Instead, chapeau,” he compliments his players. Gattuso concludes with a hint of controversy about the qualification formula. “Italy’s record of six wins? You have to ask those who set the groups and the rules,” he said pointedly. “In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are eight… It’s not a controversy, but in our day, the best second-placed team went straight to the World Cup. There are difficulties, and we know that well.”