The new era of the Italian national team under head coach Gennaro Gattuso could not have started in a better way. Appointed in June 2025, the former midfield enforcer took charge with a clear mission: restore Italy’s glory on the world stage and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after missing out on the last two editions.
In his first two matches in charge, Gattuso’s Italy immediately displayed a bold attacking identity, scoring a remarkable 10 goals in just two games. A dominant 5-0 win against Estonia followed by a dramatic 5-4 victory over Israel has ignited optimism among Italian fans and set the tone for what promises to be a thrilling qualification campaign.
These results not only lifted spirits across the nation but also positioned Italy firmly in contention within UEFA Group I, as the Azzurri chase a long-awaited return to the biggest tournament in football.
Dream Debut: Italy Smash Estonia 5-0
Gattuso’s debut came on September 5, 2025, in Bergamo against Estonia. After a cautious first half, Italy came alive in the second period, unleashing wave after wave of attacking football that overwhelmed their opponents.
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Moise Kean opened the floodgates in the 58th minute, reminding fans of his clinical instincts.
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Mateo Retegui scored twice, netting in the 69th and 89th minutes to underline his growing chemistry with Kean.
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Giacomo Raspadori added another with a tidy finish in the 71st minute.
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Defender Alessandro Bastoni capped off the rout with a late goal in stoppage time.
The emphatic 5-0 result highlighted Gattuso’s choice to implement a 4-2-3-1 attacking system, which provided balance while unlocking the creative potential of Italy’s forwards.
Speaking after the match, Gattuso praised his team’s performance but warned against complacency:
“This is just the beginning. We must build consistency and improve every week. I’m pleased with the effort, but we have more to do.”
The supporters inside Bergamo’s Gewiss Stadium chanted his name throughout the match, embracing their fiery new coach.
A Nine-Goal Thriller: Italy Edge Israel 5-4
If the opener against Estonia was a display of dominance, the clash with Israel three days later, on September 8, 2025, was pure chaos and drama. Played in Debrecen, Hungary, due to security concerns, the game will be remembered as one of the wildest in Italy’s recent history.
Italy twice fell behind, conceded two own goals, and allowed Israel to level at 4-4, yet still managed to secure victory in the dying moments.
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Moise Kean continued his hot form with a brace.
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Matteo Politano ended his four-year international goal drought with a crucial strike.
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Giacomo Raspadori chipped in with another important finish.
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With the score tied deep into stoppage time, Sandro Tonali blasted home the winner in the 91st minute, sealing a heart-pounding 5-4 triumph.
Ironically, Italy’s two own goals came from experienced players, Manuel Locatelli and Alessandro Bastoni, nearly costing them the match.
Gattuso admitted afterward that it was one of the craziest games he had ever been part of:
“It was madness, but this is football. We made mistakes, yes, but the spirit of the players to fight until the end made the difference.”
The game highlighted both the promise and the problems of Italy’s new era—potent in attack, but still vulnerable at the back.
Where Italy Stand in Group I
With these two victories, Italy now have 9 points from 4 matches, sitting second in Group I. They trail leaders Norway, who boast a perfect 12 points from four games. Israel, despite losing to Italy, sit just behind with 9 points but have already played five matches.
The standings are tight, and every fixture matters as Italy attempt to re-establish themselves on the world stage. Gattuso’s challenge will be to maintain attacking flair while shoring up defensive lapses that nearly cost them against Israel.
The Road Ahead: October’s Crucial Matches
The journey is far from over. Italy face two critical fixtures in October 2025:
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Away vs Estonia (11 October 2025): A chance to repeat their dominance and secure another three points.
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Home vs Israel (14 October 2025): A rematch that promises fireworks, with both sides desperate for qualification points.
For Gattuso, these games represent an opportunity to cement Italy’s momentum and prove that his philosophy can carry the team through tougher challenges.
A Promising Foundation
Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy era has started with excitement, drama, and goals—lots of them. Ten goals in two games signal an attacking revolution, while the resilience shown against Israel reflects a team rediscovering its fighting spirit.
Yet, the defensive frailties are a reminder that work remains to be done. If Gattuso can balance Italy’s newfound attacking power with defensive solidity, the Azzurri could not only qualify for the 2026 World Cup in North America but also arrive as a serious contender.
For now, Italy fans have every reason to dream again, as chants of “Forza Azzurri” echo with renewed hope across the peninsula.
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