Gennaro Gattuso is determined to “give back enthusiasm” to supporters of Italy after starting life as an Azzurri head coach with a thumping 5-0 world cup qualifying victory over Estonia.
Mateo Retegui scored twice, while Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori and Alessandro Bastoni all scales in Bergamo, with all five goals in the second half.
It was an important victory for Italy, which still leads Norway with six points, but has a game in hand.
Gattuso said to RAI Sport: “We have to thank the boys for the performance, because we only missed a goal in the first half.
“The boys have shown such a great attitude these days, they have worked very hard. The first game is ready, they earn all the credit, and now we have to prepare for the next game.
“We played with two strikers, we knew that we could allow a few counterattacks, because we wanted to attack and that means that we take a few risks at this level.
“Playing against one side that was a bit weaker than we, with all due respect, it was only fair to follow this approach.
“Nothing can ever be taken for granted, and they deserve the honor for their attitude. We have an objective, namely to make people happy and to give enthusiasm back to the Italians.
“Everyone knows that I love a team that is fighting hard because you can make mistakes, but you need the right posture. Now we prepare for Monday.”
A sensational second half display #Itaest #Azzurri #Vivoazzurro pic.twitter.com/cxzrch3atu
– Italy (@Azzurri_en) September 5, 2025
It was the first time that Italy had scored no fewer than three goals in a match against Lithuania since September 2021.
For Retegui, it marked a great return to Bergamo after he had left Atalanta for Saudi Pro League-Outfit Al-Qadisiyah in July.
The 26-year-old said he was back: “I have many memories and emotions to be home here again.
“We showed a lot of hunger, hard work and humility all week. We have proven that we are still standing and want to fight for qualification.
“It is always great to be home again. We have had a great season with Atalanta. I love the fans, but this felt a bit different. We played great football and have to continue in the next game.”
Italy faces Neutral Grond in Hungary on Monday, knowing that a victory would see them jump their opponents to second place.
#Gattuso #decided #Give #enthusiasm #banging #Italy #victory #football #news