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Riccardo Calafiori believes Gennaro Gattuso can guide Italy through a tense World Cup qualification play-off, as the Azzurri prepare to face Northern Ireland on Thursday. Italy risk missing a third straight World Cup, but Calafiori insists the squad stay calm, stay positive and treat the clash as a normal match despite the clear pressure.

Italy finished second in their World Cup qualification group, with Norway winning all eight matches and topping the standings. As a result, the Azzurri now enter the play-off route, meeting Northern Ireland in a semi-final. The winner then takes on Wales or Bosnia and Herzegovina for a place at the World Cup in America.

The Azzurri last appeared at a World Cup in 2014, and last contested a knockout tie when they beat France in the 2006 final. That long absence weighs on Italian football, yet Calafiori stresses the team must not feel trapped by that history when they step out against Northern Ireland.

Calafiori is expected to be available after feeling discomfort during Arsenal’s 2-0 EFL Cup final loss to Manchester City on Sunday. The defender, however, downplays fitness fears and wants Italy to keep their focus narrow, stressing a short-term mindset as the national team enters a decisive international window.

“I feel well, let’s see on the field today, but I’m fine. In such a delicate moment, the key is to always live in the present, enjoy every single moment and focus on one game at a time,” Calafiori told reporters. “Honestly, as I’ve always said, I prefer to just focus on ourselves; it’s not the moment to focus on the opponents; it depends more on us.”

Calafiori underlines that Italy must plan thoroughly but avoid letting the scenario overwhelm them. “The game must be prepared as a normal game. We know how important it is, but we must not feel weighed down.” That balance between respect for the stakes and mental lightness is central to the defender’s outlook.

The pathway that awaits Italy in World Cup qualification can be summarised as follows.

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Calafiori also highlights the role of Gattuso and the national-team staff in building trust. The defender explains that Gattuso, technical director Leonardo Bonucci and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon all visited players at their clubs, helping strengthen relationships inside the squad during recent months.

“I really appreciated the coach’s attitude,” Calafiori said. “I’ve spoken more with him than with my mother in recent months! I’m pretty shy, but he was good at staying close to me because there was a moment when I was out [injured]. We spent time together and it was nice to do so.”

Calafiori describes a unified dressing room and insists Italy should not create extra obstacles. “We all want the same thing. Why should we make life difficult for ourselves? I like to think positively. In the end, when one has a positive mindset, you achieve what you want.” That approach reflects the defender’s belief in mental strength.

The defender accepts that stress will be part of the build-up. “Pressure is there; we can’t avoid it. We know how important this game is. We try not to think about it, the game is just two days away. I’m happy to play this game and this is the message I want to send.” Calafiori stresses that optimism must guide Italy’s outlook.

“The other side of the coin is that it might go badly, but we want to think positively, because this week can bring happiness and send us to the World Cup in America. That’s the only thing I think about.” For Calafiori and Gattuso, the target is clear as Italy chase a return to football’s biggest stage.

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