Gennaro Gattuso has claimed that his Italy side "can't afford to make mistakes" ahead of their must-win clash with Israel on Tuesday. 

The Azzurri currently sit second in their World Cup qualifying group, knowing that anything less than a win will see them miss out on automatic qualification, with Norway on course to seal top spot. 

The Italians are at risk of failing to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup finals, and may have to rely on the play-off route to confirm a place at next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. 

Since taking the helm as head coach during the summer, Gattuso's Italy have won all four of their qualifying games, winning 3-1 against Estonia in their most recent outing. 

"I fall in love with these lads because of how they work and stay united," Gattuso said.

"We know we're on a journey and can't afford to make mistakes, but I like how we're growing."

Gattuso, who was a member of the Italy side that clinched the 2006 World Cup, has won just one piece of silverware during his coaching career — the Coppa Italia with Napoli during the 2019-20 campaign. 

Reflecting on his role as Italy boss, Gattuso admitted the position still feels surreal.

"There are so many people who'd pay to be here," he said.

"I live it like a dream. I think of the great coaches like [Marcello] Lippi and [Giovanni] Trapattoni and wonder who would've thought I'd get this chance. I've worked with many people here for years, so it feels like home."

It was announced earlier on Monday that forward Moise Kean had dropped out of the Italy squad due to injury, potentially presenting the opportunity for Francesco Pio Esposito to start for the Azzurri for the first time. 

"He's a simple guy with big qualities – he runs like a midfielder," Gattuso explained when discussing Pio Esposito. 

"He understands the game easily. Matches last 95 minutes, and some players make the difference at the end."