Gatti: We must give 110% in our fight for a spot in the World Cup finals.

The European qualifying play-off final for the 2026 World Cup is approaching, with Italy traveling to Bosnia and Herzegovina. To secure qualification for the World Cup finals, Italian defender Gatti stated that the players must give 110% regardless of the match's outcome.

In the play-off semi-final, Gattuso's Italy defeated Northern Ireland 2-0 thanks to goals from Tonali and Keane, successfully advancing to the play-off group stage.

Bosnia and Herzegovina, on the other hand, equalized in regular time in the semi-final thanks to a goal from Dzeko, and eventually defeated Wales 4-2 in a penalty shootout.

Gatti, who plays for Italian giants Juventus, said, "The most important thing is to win and advance to the final. Now we will give everything for this game, both on and off the field, and we are preparing as well as possible. I didn't personally experience the defeat in the last playoffs, but there was definitely an atmosphere of pressure, the pressure of carrying the expectations of the entire country."

"However, we also need to maintain a relaxed mindset. We've participated in many matches, but we can't expend too much energy in the days leading up to the game. We must be in top form to face the challenge. Now, a crucial match is approaching, and we need to find all the energy we can and put it into it. I believe the team has the spirit of being willing to give everything for their teammates, and when we have that spirit, we can always achieve good results."

Gatti emphasized, "The real answer will be revealed on the pitch, and it will be a very tough game. I've never played in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but I've heard that the stadiums there are small and the fans are very passionate. I don't like to say much before a game; nowadays, everyone can make their own judgment. This is a game that could change our future, and we must look at it from that perspective. Let the outside world say what they want."

“I’ve played on much tougher pitches, so I don’t know the specifics, but we have to be prepared for anything. This game is incredibly important, and whatever happens, we have to give it our all.”

When discussing Bosnian striker Edin Dzeko, who plays for Schalke 04, Gatti said, "I faced him during his first season at Inter Milan while playing for Juventus. He is a very strong striker, and his career has proven it."

"We will find the energy we need to bring back an outcome that could change the future of everyone, and we will fight for our country."

Image source: Internet