Gennaro Gattuso is Italy's new national coach. © APA/afp / ALBERTO PIZZOLI

“I will get into the minds of the players”

Gennaro Gattuso wants to help the stumbling Italian national football team get back on track with fundamental virtues such as enthusiasm and solidarity.

June 19, 2025

From: apa/det

The former midfield star is tasked with preventing the Azzurri from missing a World Cup for the third consecutive time. "I hope I'm up to the task," said the new team boss at his presentation in Rome on Thursday. "I know the job isn't easy, but nothing in life is easy."

After several rejections, Gattuso was appointed last weekend as the successor to the ousted Luciano Spalletti. Despite his largely lack of coaching success, the association's leadership is banking on the 47-year-old's character. During his playing days, Gattuso earned the nickname "Ringhio" (the growler) for his uncompromising style of play. The long-time AC Milan player was also a key member of the 2006 World Cup-winning team.

“The first goal is to create a sense of togetherness.” Gennaro Gattuso

The Italians won the European Championship in 2021, but haven't competed in a World Cup since 2014. Their World Cup qualifiers so far have included a humiliating 0-3 defeat to Norway and a 2-0 victory over Moldova. Italy is once again trembling. "My goal is for everyone who comes to the training center to do so with great enthusiasm, and for us to create a family," Gattuso explained. "The first goal is to create a sense of togetherness. I will penetrate the players' minds and awaken that feeling."

Players have to cope with pressure

According to Gattuso, the players are feeling the public pressure not to fall behind again in qualifying for the 2026 tournament in North America after missing out on two World Cup appearances. "Only those who react well and give their all can get out of this situation," said the coach, who, according to an association source, has been given a one-year contract. He was flanked at his presentation by association chairman Gabriele Gravina and former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who has served as head of the senior national team delegation since 2023.