The 1982 World Cup winner and AC Milan legend did not hold back when discussing the “Azzurri” disaster. While fans and media call for Gennaro Gattuso’s head, Baresi insists that the fiery coach is the least of Italy’s problems.
A Collective “Mea Culpa”
Baresi was clear: this isn’t a one-match failure, but a twenty-year decline.
“Italy cannot continue to gamble its World Cup qualification on a single game,” Baresi stated. “Entire Italian football must say ‘mea culpa.’ The results of the last 20 years are there for everyone to see, with the isolated exception of the Euro 2020 triumph.”
His point is grounded in a harsh reality. Since winning the trophy in 2006, Italy has failed to progress past the group stage (2010, 2014) and has now failed to even qualify for three straight tournaments (2018, 2022, 2026).
Standing by Gattuso
Despite the tactical criticism aimed at Gattuso following the 1-1 draw (and subsequent penalty loss) to Bosnia, Baresi believes “Rino” did everything possible with the hand he was dealt.
- Passion over Preparation: Baresi noted that Gattuso “gave his soul” to the project.
- Time Constraints: Taking over a struggling squad mid-cycle is a nightmare for any manager. Baresi argued that Gattuso had far too little time to implement a lasting philosophy.
- The Responsibility Shift: “He is among those who have the least responsibility for this defeat,” Baresi concluded.
The Bastoni Turning Point
Baresi also pointed to the on-field “incidents” that sabotaged Italy’s game plan on Tuesday night. Specifically, the red card shown to Alessandro Bastoni in the first half.
Playing with ten men for over 75 minutes in a high-pressure playoff final is a monumental task. Baresi noted that this forced Italy into a defensive shell, nullifying Gattuso’s attacking strategy and ultimately leading to the fatigue that played a role in the penalty heartbreak.
The Road Ahead: Evolution or Revolution?
Italy now faces a four-year wait for another shot at redemption. With legends like Baresi calling for a structural overhaul rather than just a change in management, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) finds itself at a crossroads. Is Gattuso the man to lead the rebuild, or will he be the sacrificial lamb for a system that Baresi claims is broken?
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