Gattuso Speaks Out Against His Supporters’ Criticism

Following Italy’s victory over Moldova (2-0), Gennaro Gattuso responded strongly to the criticism from Italian fans in Chisinau. In the 73rd minute, while the score was still 0-0, some ultras began to protest. The coach found this behavior unacceptable: “What I heard today is shameful; I won’t accept it. I saw an Italy that played, but they didn’t have a single shot on target. If some are still fixated on the 11-1 defeat Moldova suffered against Norway, that’s not my issue.”

Gattuso also defended his players, stating it wasn’t the time to criticize them: “Hearing 500 supporters protesting outside while the team is struggling, I can’t accept that. We need to stay united.” The coach praised the crucial contributions of Retegui and Pio Esposito while lamenting a qualification format he feels is unbalanced: “We should ask those who set the groups and rules… In our time, the best second team went directly to the World Cup.”