World Cup winner Gianluigi Buffon says play-off semi-last opponents Northern Ireland have been the “only focus” for Italy, and never the broader prize of a spot on the finals this summer season.
Italy haven’t certified for a World Cup since 2014 after play-off defeats by Sweden and Bosnia-Herzegovina, they usually missed out on automated qualification for the 2026 event after ending second behind group winners Norway.
Gennaro Gattuso’s facet might develop into the primary World Cup winners to overlook out on three tournaments in a row, but when they will progress in opposition to Northern Ireland after which beat both Wales or Bosnia-Herzegovina, they are going to be rewarded with a spot in Group B with co-hosts Canada, Switzerland and Qatar.
Buffon, who’s Italy’s technical delegate, stated it was “an important moment” and the total focus needed to be on Thursday’s semi-last in Bergamo.
“We shouldn’t have any doubt, our focus is only on Northern Ireland and the semi-final,” Buffon instructed BBC Sport.
“Then, if we’re happy, we’ll think about the final against Wales or Bosnia.
“But for the final 4 months, our solely focus has been on Northern Ireland, as a result of that is the best way it’s.
“Northern Ireland are the first obstacle, and they are a team that deserves our respect.”
Buffon, who performed a key function in appointing World Cup-winning group-mate Gattuso in June, stated Italy’s scenario was a “situation of stress that has accumulated over the years”.
But he felt the group spirit that Gattuso dropped at the job offers Italy the “right confidence to finally get to a World Cup”.
The recreation will probably be performed on the New Balance Arena in Bergamo, which has a capability of 25,000, as an alternative of the bigger San Siro or Stadio Olimpico.
Italian journalist Daniele Verri had stated he felt there was some superstition at play as Gattuso’s first recreation as supervisor was a 5-0 win over Estonia on the New Balance Arena, and Italy haven’t misplaced in any of their 5 matches in Bergamo throughout the span of 62 years.
Buffon stated that the house of Atalanta was the “best seat” for the sport, and the positivity across the venue made it the logical option to play Italy’s greatest match in 4 years.
“When the coach played his first game we had a great win, and that evening we remember it was a great atmosphere and there was great support.
“The first half ended 0–0, however the individuals understood the trouble that the group was giving they usually supported us.
“This is something, a detail, that is in the minds of the staff and in the minds of the players, so it is very important.”
