Prandelli: Gattuso ‘has chosen a new path’ for Italy
Former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is ‘optimistic’ about tonight’s game against Northern Ireland, particularly because of Gennaro Gattuso’s ‘new’ approach, but warns that opponents deserve respect: ‘If you think it’s easy, then it will all become more difficult.’
Italy host Northern Ireland in Bergamo in a massive World Cup play-off semifinal tonight.
“I’m optimistic for a simple reason: Gattuso has chosen a new path that will give great results, I’m sure about it,” Prandelli, a former Italy coach and 2012 Euro Finalist, told Gazzetta.
“He’s had a direct relationship with the players. They didn’t even give him a stage, two days to spend with the team. So what did he do? He toured Italy and Europe, meeting all his players.
“At lunch, for dinner, like being among friends, not necessarily talking about football. It’s easy for him because he’s a nice person who pays attention to these nuances.”
Prandelli can already see the positive effects of Gattuso’s approach: “The players feel they are part of a family, a united group, where some things matter more than tactics,” he said.
“Because of any incident, like a goal conceded after one minute, or hitting the post, any project is blown up, but the group remains.
“Historically, when we win, it is because the team spirit has been created. The Azzurri no longer felt abandoned; while around them, that was the feeling. Rino could not work with them until Monday, so he decided to proceed differently.”
Italy are the clear favourites in tonight’s clash, but this doesn’t mean the opponent should be overlooked.
“We are superior, but the same was true in the past, and we were left disappointed,” Prandelli concluded.
“Now everyone expects success, but football doesn’t work this way. Our opponents deserve the utmost respect. If you think it’s easy, then it will all become more difficult.”