Italy’s shocking 1–4 defeat to Norway at San Siro has sent a wave of worry through the Azzurri camp, and head coach Gennaro Gattuso did not hold back in expressing his frustration. The heavy loss marked Italy’s first defeat under Gattuso, and the manner in which it happened raised even more questions.
Italy actually started the match on the front foot, taking a deserved lead through Francesco Pio Esposito. But everything fell apart after the break. Norway dominated the second half, completely overturning the game and exposing Italy’s fragility in alarming fashion.
After the match, Gattuso brutally admitted that his squad collapsed mentally, describing a deep fear that has taken root inside the team. The pressure of Italy’s modern World Cup failures — having missed the last two editions — now feels heavier than ever. And with the 2026 World Cup playoff looming, the Azzurri are staring at the terrifying possibility of a third consecutive absence.
Not a Fitness Issue — Italy Simply Panicked
Gattuso dismissed the idea that his players were physically exhausted. According to him, the collapse stemmed from poor mentality and a sudden loss of composure.
He noted that Norway took control just 30 seconds into the second half, and instead of responding calmly, Italy allowed the momentum to shift dramatically.
“I don’t think it was a physical problem,” Gattuso stressed. “Because after the restart, within 30 seconds, we let them have a clear chance.”
From that moment, Italy played right into Norway’s strengths. They ran frantically, reacted instead of acting, and fell into chaos.
“We started running in the wrong way. We played to their strengths, and they punished us. It was never a fitness issue.”
Italy Suddenly Stopped Playing Their Game
Gattuso highlighted how drastically Italy’s approach changed after halftime. Movements that worked in the first half — including those from Davide Frattesi — suddenly disappeared. The team stopped building from the back with confidence and began panicking under pressure.
This, Gattuso said, was the most disappointing part of the defeat.
“Even the buildup from the back looked completely different. Frattesi was no longer stretching the play.”
“We stopped making the right movements. That is my biggest regret.”
Gattuso Admits Italy Are Mentally Fragile
Instead of offering excuses, Gattuso was brutally honest about the state of his team. He acknowledged that Italy’s mentality is broken and that this issue is extremely worrying ahead of the playoffs.
“It is worrying — I would be a hypocrite to say otherwise.”
He pointed out that no match at this level should end 4–1, especially one in which Italy initially looked dominant.
The third Norwegian goal troubled him the most.
“A match like this cannot finish 4–1. Some of their players completely changed the game in five minutes. The third goal disturbed me more than anything else.”
Haunted by History: The Weight of Two Failed World Cups
Gattuso ultimately pointed to the psychological burden his squad carries. After failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, the pressure on the current generation is immense.
Players are hesitant, overly cautious, and terrified of making mistakes.
“Right now, there is so much weighing on us. We didn’t qualify for the last two World Cups — and we cannot underestimate that.”
The fear of repeating history has become a chain around the Azzurri’s ankles.
“If you’re afraid of making mistakes, you play with the handbrake on. And we cannot afford that.”
A Wake-Up Call Ahead of the 2026 Playoffs
Italy’s collapse against Norway is more than just a defeat — it is a warning. Gattuso now faces the enormous task of rebuilding his squad’s confidence before the crucial 2026 World Cup playoff. The talent is there, but the mentality is fragile.
If Italy cannot overcome the psychological scars of recent years, they risk making unwanted history: missing a third consecutive World Cup.
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