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Fabio Capello (Photo by Jurij Kodrun/Getty Images)
Fabio Capello has identified one area of encouragement for the Italy national team under Gennaro Gattuso, the areas where the Nazionale are currently lacking, and has had his say on the upcoming World Cup qualifier against Israel: ‘Leave politics aside’.
Gattuso and Italy resume their World Cup qualifying campaign later this week, with a test away against Estonia on Saturday and another date with Israel in Udine next Tuesday.
- Read more: Official: Gattuso names 27-man Italy squad for October qualifiers
- Read more: Capello criticises both sides in ‘boring’ Juventus 0-0 Milan draw
The Azzurri played both Estonia and Israel in September for Gattuso’s first two matches in charge of the national team. They scored five and were victorious in both matches, keeping a clean sheet against Estonia, but conceding four away against Israel.
What Capello said about Italy, Gattuso and Israel
BERGAMO – SEPTEMBER 05: Giacomo Raspadori celebrates with teammates after scoring his team’s third goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)Since the last time that the two nations met, there had been suggestions that UEFA and FIFA could look to suspend Israel given the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Capello, however, believes that the game should go ahead with no fuss.
“We have to play, let’s leave politics aside. Sport should unite, not divide,” Capello told Radio Anch’io Sport (via TMW)
Capello went on to give his assessment of the Italy national team after two matches under Gattuso.
“We saw a completely worth Italy side,” Capello said. “They were committed to every ball and showed heart and soul. That’s already a step forwards.”
BERGAMO – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match against Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)Despite the initial encouraging signs, Capello does not deny the fact that Italy are far from the finished article as things stand.
“There’s a lack of quality and speed in the game. We’ll see how many improvements there have been in these next few games.
“Gattuso took over a hot potato, and did so with a lot of courage, unlike those who left the dugout halfway through.”
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