Gattuso’s Azzurri managed to clear the first hurdle on the road to the American World Cup, earning the chance to play in the Final
A solid start, and that gives us the opportunity to play the second match of the World Cup qualification playoff. The most important one.
Now, though, there’s no point celebrating too early, because the decisive game — the one that will determine the footballing fate of the Azzurri — will be played away, on Bosnia’s home turf.
But let’s take a step back to last night. Gattuso’s decision to stage the match in Bergamo proved to be the right call, because despite an underwhelming first half, the Azzurri never lacked support from the stands.
As the head coach had almost prophetically suggested beforehand, it’s easy to imagine that at San Siro or the Stadio Olimpico there would have been more grumbling at halftime and fewer encouraging applause…
In the second half, the national team grew into the game, eventually breaking down the Irish defensive block in the only possible way — thanks to a brilliant long-range strike from Tonali.
Once the deadlock was broken and the opposition forced out of their low block, the game opened up for the Azzurri, who did well to put it to bed through Moise Kean, avoiding any late drama.
Gattuso now has four days to recharge his squad and prepare for a tough away trip to Bosnia: no room for complacency against a side featuring several players familiar with Italian football, but at the same time no need for excessive caution.
Italy are the stronger side than Bosnia — it won’t take a miracle, just a composed, professional performance like the one against Northern Ireland.
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L’articolo First step toward the World Cup: Ireland beaten, now Bosnia proviene da Soccer Made In Italy.
