Gattuso: We haven’t discussed the play-offs with the Italian Football Association yet, we still need to fight for this qualification

In the World Cup qualifying group stage, Italy is about to face a crucial battle against Israel. At the press conference before the game, Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso talked about the team's preparations and also answered some questions that fans and the media were very concerned about.

How we feel now

We are happy to have a ceasefire and it is exciting to see people returning to Gaza. There will be protests at tomorrow's game, but we will also have 10,000 fans coming to the scene. We have to perform well enough for everyone to want to cheer for us.

On whether I like this Italian team more and more

I love my players because I am satisfied with their attitude towards training. We knew two months ago that we couldn't make mistakes, but I really admire their growth. While there's still plenty of room for improvement, the team also showed plenty of positives.

On whether a three-back formation will be adopted and whether Pio Esposito will start

Pio behaves normally on social media. He is a simple young man who doesn't talk much, and he also works very hard. He moves like a midfielder and doesn't have to worry about getting complacent. We need to consider other factors, but the game lasts 95 minutes, someone may start or someone may come off the bench to change the situation, and we will make decisions based on these factors.

On whether coaching the national team is becoming more and more comfortable

I have always believed that there are many people who are willing to give everything for this position. For me, it's like a dream, it's my dream to wear this jersey. Today I am thinking about the coaches who have coached here, like Lippi and Trapattoni. When I attended the press conference, I was thinking, who would have thought that I would get an opportunity like this?  That's how I look at it all because I was on this team for 11 years. This is like my home and many things come naturally to me.

Remarks about Spalletti

Spalletti is a very candid person, and everything he says is his true thoughts. I wanted to call him but didn't because I didn't want to disturb him. I certainly appreciate what he said.

About my playing days

I always trained with all my strength because I was the worst at a technical level. So the only way to go is to work hard and compete with crazy intensity. However, I don’t compare myself with the past. I have my own methodology and I know how to do certain things. Obviously, training has to be close to the game. We have many tools and data, but training is the foundation of the job.

About the possible play-offs

We have not yet reached the play-offs, and have not even discussed it with the Football Association. We still need to qualify for the play-offs.