Jesse Marsch names Wilfried Gnonto as World Cup hope

Former Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch has revealed he hopes to see Wilfried Gnonto feature at the upcoming World Cup, despite the winger’s current struggles for game time at Elland Road.

Now in charge of Canada, Marsch made the admission while speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, reflecting on his time working with Gnonto during his spell at Leeds United.

Marsch knows Gnonto well, having signed the Italy international from FC Zürich in September 2022. Although the winger initially had to wait for his opportunity, Marsch became a regular user of Gnonto before his own dismissal.

Across 12 appearances under the American, Gnonto contributed three goals and one assist, showing flashes of the talent that had convinced Leeds to move quickly late in the transfer window.

Italy face a difficult route to qualification, having to navigate the play-offs. They must first overcome Northern Ireland, before meeting the winner of Wales and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Should they progress, Italy would be placed in Group B alongside Canada, Switzerland and Qatar — a scenario that would reunite Marsch with one of his former players on the world stage.

Asked which player he was particularly excited to watch at the World Cup, Marsch singled out the Leeds winger.

“I have a home in Tuscany and a soft spot for your football; my favourite player was Demetrio Albertini,” Marsch said. “I hope to see you again in the United States, and I really want to see Gnonto, whom I coached at Leeds.”

Gnonto has not represented Italy since September 2023 and currently appears a long way from international contention, largely due to limited minutes at club level.

That situation has fuelled speculation about his future, with Fiorentina reportedly monitoring his situation ahead of the winter transfer window.

For now, Marsch’s comments serve as a reminder of the regard in which Gnonto is still held by those who know his qualities — even if his current circumstances suggest a crossroads moment in his career.