Gennaro Gattuso`s Italian national team is gearing up to face Estonia at the Le Coq Arena in Tallinn. This Saturday evening`s match is a critical encounter in Italy`s quest for a playoff spot, a game the coach has emphatically stated “must not be underestimated.”
Gattuso`s Perspective: No Room for Error
“The truth is, we must secure as many points as possible because Israel is hot on our heels. We cannot afford to make any calculations,” Gattuso stressed during his press conference. “We won`t automatically qualify for the playoffs, and we absolutely cannot play with fire. Until mathematics guarantees our spot, we must fight to earn it. There`s still a lot to do, and much is at stake in this game.”
Henn`s Counter: Estonia Ready to Fight
On the opposing side, Estonian coach Jurgen Henn has no intention of surrendering before the whistle. He expressed confidence in his team`s ability to perform at home:
“In this stadium, we know how to transform; our fans` support always provides the right impetus. Our performance against the favored Norway team demonstrates this: we must replicate that evening. We are facing a powerhouse in world football, but we are ready to make our presence felt. We have analyzed the mistakes from a month ago and are determined to offer our supporters a different narrative.”
Probable Lineups for Estonia-Italy
Estonia (4-2-3-1)
- Goalkeeper: Hein
- Defenders: Shjonning-Larsen, Paskotsi, Kuusk, Sinyavskyi
- Midfielders: Kait, Palumets; Saarma, Shein, Kuraksin
- Forward: Sappinen
- Coach: Henn
Italy (4-4-2)
- Goalkeeper: Donnarumma
- Defenders: Di Lorenzo, Bastoni, Calafiori, Dimarco
- Midfielders: Spinazzola, Barella, Tonali, Raspadori
- Forwards: Kean, Retegui
- Coach: Gattuso
