Allegri’s message to Gattuso to ‘help’ Italy in World Cup play-off

Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri is open to moving Serie A fixtures before Italy’s World Cup play-off to help the national team, as he sees a ‘great chance’ to reach the 2026 World Cup.

Italy coach Gattuso said earlier this week that Lega Serie A and the FIGC should consider rescheduling some Serie A fixtures to give the national team more time to prepare for the World Cup play-off semifinal against Northern Ireland in March 2026.

Massimiliano Allegri, who coached Gattuso at Milan, seemed open to the idea of changing the Serie A schedule to help the Azzurri and their coach.

Allegri ready to ‘help’ Italy and Gattuso

TURIN, ITALY – OCTOBER 05: AC Milan head coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the Serie A match between Juventus FC and AC Milan at Allianz Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Turin, Italy. (Photo by Valerio Pennicino/Getty Images)

“If the league stops, we won’t play, and we’ll be helping the national team, but I believe the national team has a great chance of reaching the World Cup,” Allegri said at a press conference on Friday via Milan News.

“Rino is doing a good job. If they stop the league, we’ll stop, and it will be an advantage for the national team.”

Italy have not qualified for the last two editions of the World Cup and have not played a knockout game in the competition since 2006, when they eventually lifted the cup.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

During his press conference today, Allegri said that only two Milan players won’t be available in the derby against Inter and confirmed he could have coached the Nerazzurri in 2021.

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