Gattuso's Azzurri spell starts with Estonia, France face Ukraine
Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 05.09.25. | 15:13
The legendary AC Milan midfielder will debut at Italy's bench tonight, while Les Blues aim to kickstart the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Luciano Spalletti was sacked three months ago as head coach of the Italy national team, but before departing, the 66-year-old left chaos behind.
In the opening qualifying game, the Azzurri were stunned by Norway (3-0), and even a 2-0 victory over Moldova three days later couldn't save Spalletti's job. Apart from beating the 2006 World Champions, Erling Haaland and Co. recorded four triumphs in as many matches, and now firmly hold the top of Group I with 12 points.
Given that Italy have only three, a victory over the minnows Estonia in Bergamo tonight (21.45) is a must for them and their new boss Gennaro Gattuso, who'll debut as the national team manager.
Gattuso’s first XI is expected to be this tonight (@dazngroup ) pic.twitter.com/cXQoWFNnsn
— 🎥 The AJC 🏳️🏴 (@The_AJC_) September 5, 2025
The 47-year-old's managerial CV doesn't promise much, as he won only one trophy in his 12-year coaching career - the Coppa Italia with Napoli five years ago. However, what the public in Italy expects from the legendary AC Milan midfielder is to return the passion and excitement the national team lost over the years.
Conversely, France do not seem to have such problems. On the contrary, they are firm favourites in their qualifying group with Iceland, Azerbaijan, and Ukraine, against which they'll start the campaign tonight in Wroclaw (21.45).
Still, Les Blues' head-to-head score with the Ukrainians calls for caution. In 12 clashes against their tonight's rival, France won only six. Moreover, their last two duels, played in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, ended in 1-1 draws.
Nevertheless, neither team is the same as four years ago, Ukraine play their home games away from home because of war, and Didier Deschamps' crew seems as strong as it gets and is willing to kickstart the qualifying campaign with a statement victory.
2026 FIFA WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS - EUROPE
Thursday
Kazakhstan - Wales 0-1 (0-1)
/Moore 24/
Georgia - Turkey 2-3 (0-2)
/Davitashvili 63, Kvaratskhelia 90+8 - Muldur 3, Akturkoglu 41, 52/
Lithuania - Malta 1-1 (0-0)
/Gineitis 90+6 pen - Satariano 83/
Luxembourg - Northern Ireland 1-3 (1-1)
/Dardari 30 - Reid 7, Charles 46, Devenny 69/
Slovakia - Germany 2-0 (1-0)
/Hancko 42, Strelec 55/
Bulgaria - Spain 0-3 (0-3)
/Oyarzabal 5, Cucurella 30, Merino 38/
Netherlands - Poland 1-1 (1-0)
/Dumfries 28 - Cash 80/
Liechtenstein - Belgium 0-6 (0-1)
/De Cuyper 29, Tielemans 46, Theate 60, 70 pen, De Bruyne 62, Fofana 90+1/
Friday
21.45: (1.55) Denmark (4.20) Scotland (7.00)
21.45: (16.0) Faroe I. (8.50) Croatia (1.18)
21.45: (1.20) Greece (6.50) Belarus (16.0)
21.45: (1.45) Iceland (4.40) Azerbaijan (7.50)
21.45: (1.05) Italy (14.0) Estonia (35.0)
21.45: (6.75) Moldova (4.00) Israel (1.53)
21.45: (5.40) Montenegro (3.70) Czech R. (1.75)
21.45: (3.50) Slovenia (3.35) Sweden (2.25)
21.45: (1.37) Switzerland (4.90) Kosovo (8.50)
21.45: (8.00) Ukraine (4.60) France (1.40)
Saturday
16.00: (10.0) Latvia (5.10) Serbia (1.37)
19.00: (19.0) Armenia (7.75) Portugal (1.15)
19.00: (1.01) England (25.0) Andorra (70.0)
21.45: (1.10) Austria (10.0) Cyprus (30.0)
21.45: (2.65) R.Ireland (3.10) Hungary (2.85)
21.45: (75.0) San Marino (14.0) B&H (1.03)
***odds are subject to change***
