“In 1994, There Were Two African Teams, Now There Are Nine” — Gattuso Blames FIFA for Italy’s World Cup Struggles

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has stirred debate after claiming that FIFA’s expanded World Cup slots for Africa and other regions have made qualification harder for European teams. His comments come as Italy risk another trip to the playoffs unless they beat Norway by an unlikely nine-goal margin on Sunday.

Italy earned a 2-0 win over Moldova on Thursday, their sixth victory in seven games, but Norway’s perfect run — including a 3-0 win over the Azzurri — leaves Gattuso’s side needing a miracle to qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.

A frustrated Gattuso questioned the current qualification structure. “In my day, the best runners-up went straight to the World Cup, now the rules have changed,” he said, arguing that the system puts added pressure on teams outside the very top seeds. He also pointed to Africa’s expanded allocation, saying:

In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine… It’s not a controversy, but there are difficulties.

The Italy coach contrasted Europe’s format with South America’s, noting that “six out of ten teams go directly” while another enters an intercontinental playoff — a system he believes offers an easier route.

Pressure around the team is intensifying. Italy, ranked ninth in the world, have already missed the 2018 and 2022 tournaments after playoff losses to Sweden and North Macedonia. Fans showed their frustration in Moldova, where about 400 travelling supporters booed the team for taking 88 minutes to break down the group’s weakest side.

Gattuso pushed back at critics, insisting his players are giving everything and warning that negativity only increases the strain. With qualification hanging in the balance, he maintains FIFA must “change the system in Europe,” but for now, Italy must confront the growing fear of another tense playoff battle.