Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso has raised concerns over FIFA’s current World Cup qualification structure, saying the expanded number of African slots and other global changes have made it much harder for European teams to qualify.
Speaking ahead of Italy’s must-win clash with Norway, Gattuso warned that the system no longer gives Europe a fair chance. Italy need a nine-goal victory on Sunday to top Group I and avoid returning to the playoffs for a third consecutive World Cup cycle.
“In my day, the best runners-up went straight to the World Cup — now the rules have changed,” he said. Gattuso pointed to Africa’s increased representation as an example. “In 1990 and 1994 there were two African teams, now there are nine. It’s not a controversy, but these changes create difficulties.”
He also compared Europe’s situation to South America, where six out of ten teams qualify directly and a seventh enters a playoff with Oceania. “It gives you regrets and sadness. The system needs to change in Europe,” he said.
Gattuso criticised Italian fans who booed the team during their 2–0 win over Moldova, insisting unity is crucial at this stage. “This is not the time to tell the players to go get a job. I don’t accept the jeering. We all need to stay united,” he said.
Italy, ranked ninth in the world, are fighting to avoid missing their third straight World Cup after painful playoff exits in 2018 and 2022.
