GENNARO GATTUSO opted to host Italy’s crunch World Cup play-off with Northern Ireland away from the San Siro as he was afraid of fans BOOING.
The four-time winners have not qualified for the last two global tournaments, piling pressure on the Azzurri.
Italy boss Gennaro Gattuso personally snubbed playing at the San SiroCredit: Getty
He is hoping for less boos and more support from a smaller crowd in Bergamo to help Italy qualify for the World CupCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
So Gattuso switched against from the iconic 75,000-capacity venue in Milan to tiny Bergamo in a bid to ease the tension.
The tie will be at Atalanta’s 25,000-seater New Balance Arena — and got the OK from chief Gabriele Gravina.
Gattuso, who took over as national boss last summer, said: “I chose the stadium.
“I want to thank the President Gabriele Gravina and (delegation chief) Gigi Buffon for letting me decide.
“I believe that when you go to a stadium like San Siro, there are Inter and Milan fans, and they might start booing after a few wrong passes.
“Playing in a smaller stadium will likely give us a better atmosphere.
“They did so in my first game as Italy’s coach, despite finishing the first half with a 0-0 draw.
“We hope to create a real cauldron-like atmosphere and that we have not messed things up.”
finished second in their World Cup group behind , who had a perfect record with eight wins from eight games led by ‘s 16 goals – at least double what any other player managed.
Gattuso won 73 Italy caps between 2000 and 2010, his only goal being the winner in a 1-0 friendly victory over .
He was the Man of the Match in the quarter-finals of the 2006 World Cup which Italy eventually went on to win.
Since the 2006 campaign they have not progressed beyond the Group Stage, picking up a single win across the 2010 and 2014 World Cups before failing to qualify for the last two.
Northern Ireland‘s World Cup history is sparse by comparison.
They have won a total of three games across 13 played, with their best finish being the quarter-finals of the 1958 tournament.
The Green and White Army last featured at World Cup finals in Mexico 1986, but failed to win a game as they crashed out in the Group Stage.
Where to buy England's 2026 World Cup kits
ENGLAND are dreaming of World Cup glory in North America this summer.
And you can show your support for Thomas Tuchel’s men by wearing the new Nike kits.
The white home jersey and red away strip were unveiled and went on sale in March.
England home and away kits can be purchased online at the England Store .
The AeroFIT kits cost £134.99 for adults, while the Stadium kit costs £89.99.
A full kids’ kit – shirt, shorts, socks – costs £54.99.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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