Gattuso became the target of public criticism: Italy suffered a 1-4 defeat to Norway, and his complaints before the game were ridiculed by the crowd

Italy lost 1-4 to Norway at home at San Siro. Not only did Italy miss the opportunity to directly qualify for the 2026 World Cup, but it also bet the fate of the third consecutive World Cup on the play-offs full of variables. This defeat not only heartbroken fans, but also made coach Gennaro Gattuso the center of a storm of public opinion - not only was he criticized for his poor record, but he was also widely ridiculed as "making excuses for losing" because of his remarks before the game "complaining about the unfair competition system".

Behind the tragic defeat: From lead to collapse in just 25 minutes

At the beginning of the game, Francesco Esposito scored in the 11th minute to take the lead and once controlled the situation. But the situation suddenly changed in the second half. Norway scored four goals in just 25 minutes. Haaland scored two goals, completely defeating the "Legis Azzurri" defense.

The irony is that this is no accident. As "Gazzetta dello Sport" pointed out: "Italy's World Cup dream was actually shattered as early as the beginning of the group stage." Instead of focusing on solving the team's defensive loopholes, Gattuso frequently questioned FIFA's quota allocation system before the game, causing greater controversy.

Complaints before the game caused public outrage: From "unfair rules" to "excuses for losing"

A few days ago, Gattuso complained in an interview: "When I played, the second best team in the group could directly advance to the World Cup. Now the rules have changed." He also mentioned: "In the 1990 and 1994 World Cup, only a few African teams participated, but now there are 9; 6 of the 10 South American teams directly advanced, and the 7th "

Although the BBC admitted that his criticism of the European qualifying quota "has some truth", it immediately emphasized: "Football waits for no one, and there is no need for excuses."

The British media bluntly said: "Italy played too poorly, and Gattuso's complaints now seem ridiculous." The Italian domestic media is even more sharp. "Gazzetta dello Sport" criticized: "When the team's defense is useless and concedes 4 goals in 25 minutes, the coach is struggling with the competition system from decades ago? This is simply evading responsibility."

The media and celebrities blasted

"Gazzetta dello Sport" reporter Sebas Tiano Vernazza angrily denounced: "Gattuso's press conference was just grandstanding, but his tactical arrangements on the field were a mess."

"Corriere della Sera" pointed out: "Gattuso succeeded Spalletti with the intention of 'repairing' Italian football, but now it is 'unfair' The flat rules were used as a fig leaf. He seemed to have forgotten that Italy had benefited from the old competition system in the past - now that the strength is insufficient, don't blame the rules. "

The harsher criticism came from the 1982 World Cup champion and legendary Italian left back Antonio Cabrini: " Gattuso is good at winning simple games, but what about the decisive battle? He changed his formation temporarily to deal with Norway, but it was too late. This defeat is a true reflection of the overall decline of Italian football."

Now, Italy can only hope for a miracle in the play-offs. But if you are unable to face up to your own problems and just complain about the external environment, you may not be able to escape the fate of having your dreams shattered again even if you get the chance. For Gattuso, the real test has just begun - and neither fans nor history will give him much time.