""In my day, the best [group] runners-up went straight to the World Cup, now the rules have changed," Gattuso said. "Italy's record of six wins? You'd have to ask the people who make the groups and the rules. "In 1990 and 1994, there were two African teams, now there are nine. It's not a controversy, but there are difficulties, and we know it well.""
""If we look at South America, where six out of 10 teams go directly to the World Cup and the seventh heads into a play-off with a team from Oceania, that does give you regrets and a certain sadness. The system needs to change in Europe.""
Italy lost 4-1 at home to Norway, confirming a second-place finish and entry into two single-leg play-offs to secure a place at the expanded 2026 World Cup. The 2026 tournament will feature 48 teams and will be staged in Canada, Mexico and the United States. Coach Gennaro Gattuso criticised the qualification system and compared Europe's route unfavourably with South America's direct slots and Africa's increased representation. Gattuso argued that strong qualifying records can still leave teams vulnerable to play-offs. Some of his factual claims about past tournaments and continental allocations are incorrect.
Read at www.bbc.com
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