Overview
- Italy beat Moldova 2-0 but remains second in UEFA Group I, three points behind Norway and still tracking toward a playoff path.
- Gattuso argued that with only 10 CONMEBOL teams, six qualifying directly and a seventh to an intercontinental playoff creates an imbalance.
- FIFA’s confirmed allocation gives CONMEBOL six direct places and one playoff slot, while UEFA has 12 direct spots and four via playoffs.
- His remarks echoed earlier criticism from Kylian Mbappé and prompted renewed media scrutiny of comparative qualifying difficulty.
- Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez pushed back, saying European observers overlook South America’s tougher travel and playing conditions.