Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso says he ‘cannot accept’ insulting chants from supporters after the 2-0 win over Moldova on Thursday.
The Italians face a World Cup nightmare with direct qualification almost inconceivable after Norway defeated Estonia 4-1.
Italy must beat Norway by nine goals in Milan on Sunday to avoid the World Cup play-offs.
Gattuso’s side needed two late goals to see off Moldova and looked destined for a draw before Gianluca Mancini and Francesco Pio Esposito scored.
While the rating was still 0-0, various Italy fans sang insulting songs in regards to the the Italian Federation, the nation’s players and boss Gattuso.
Speaking after the match, Gattuso told RAI Sport: ‘What do you mean this wasn’t the perfect Italy performance?
‘I saw the lads dominating the match, Moldova never had a shot on course.
‘When you were expecting an 11-1 like Moldova had against Norway, then that will not be my problem. There aren’t any easy matches.
‘I feel bad about what I heard from the group today, chants telling us to get to work.
‘That is once we must remain united, the team is doing what they should do.
‘Coming away from home and hearing 500-odd fans insulting the players, I don’t accept that.’
Italy star makes World Cup play-offs admission
Italy star Alessandro Buongiorno is expecting ‘difficult matches’ within the 2026 World Cup play-offs.
The play-offs will happen in March 2026, starting with a semi-final after which the ultimate for a spot on the World Cup tournament next summer.
‘[Our World Cup qualifying campaign has been] really disappointing,’ the Napoli centre-back said.
‘But now we’ve got to concentrate on ourselves, starting with Norway on Sunday after which whoever we get next.
‘They may definitely be difficult matches, so we’ve got to be ready and provides our greatest.’
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