Vieri: World Cup qualification ‘the only thing that matters’ for Italy | OneFootball

Italy legend Christian Vieri insists that the World Cup qualification is the only thing that matters for Italy: ‘I don’t really like the Nations League.’

The Azzurri are the Nations League Group A2 leaders and need just one point to qualify for the quarter-finals.

Luciano Spalletti’s men are unbeaten in four games after their elimination from the 2024 Euros.

“I won’t expose myself yet. It would make no sense, and I don’t really like the Nations League,” Vieri told Corriere della Sera.

“The only thing that matters is the World Cup qualifiers. We can’t fail there. We must be at the next World Cup. Surely, we had a good start after a Euro with no ideas, which perhaps had pushed fans away from the Azzurri jersey.”

The former striker admitted that the Azzurri have shown considerable improvements, especially in attack, with in-form striker Mateo Retegui.

epa11659456 Matteo Retegui of Italy celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the UEFA Nations League A soccer match Italy vs Israel in Udine, Italy, 14 October 2024. EPA-EFE/DAVIDE CASENTINI

“It is still not a good period in terms of quantity, but Retegui seems to have really made a big step forward,” Vieri said.

“The Gasp effect had to be considered. He has found one of the best coaches in the world at Atalanta, and it’s not a coincidence that he’s scoring many goals consistently, adding great work for the team as well. He’s important to the national team, and we await Scamacca.”

Paolo Maldini’s son, Daniel, made his senior debut against Israel on Monday.

“Daniel has great quality, and he’s showing it at times. He has everything to impose himself on the national team,” said Vieri.

“I talk to Paolo sometimes and tell him that it only depends on Daniel and how much he wants to become important and special. He has considerable technical qualities; he’s a different player from those we have.”