Overview
- The Italy coach called South America’s six direct places plus one intercontinental playoff slot “lamentable” and “not fair.”
- Under FIFA’s 48‑team format, CONMEBOL has 6 direct spots and 1 playoff while UEFA has 16 in total, a contrast Gattuso argues favors a 10‑team confederation.
- Italy beat Moldova 2-0 on the penultimate matchday to stay alive, yet remains three points behind Norway with an inferior goal difference.
- Qualification scenarios leave Italy reliant on Norway’s results or a large swing in goals to finish top and avoid UEFA’s playoff route.
- Coverage noted his comments echo earlier critiques from Kylian Mbappé, and there is no indication of any change to FIFA’s current allocations.