New Italy Coach Gattuso Vows To Build ‘Family’ Culture Amid Team Struggles

‎Italy’s new coach, Gennaro Gattuso, pledged to restore enthusiasm and build a strong sense of “family” within the national team.

‎His goal is to secure qualification for the next World Cup after the Azzurri missed out in two consecutive tournaments.

‎Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked this month following a 3-0 defeat by Norway in a World Cup qualifier. He officially departed after overseeing his final match, a 2-0 victory against Moldova.

‎”It’s a dream come true, and I certainly hope to be up to the task. I know the job won’t be easy, but nothing in life is easy,” said Gattuso, who recently left Croatian club Hajduk Split after a third-placed finish in the country’s top flight.

‎Nicknamed ‘Ringhio’ (Growler) for his fierce attitude on the pitch, Gennaro Gattuso is a 47-year-old who earned 73 caps for Italy and played a vital role in their 2006 World Cup victory.

‎His relentless spirit and tenacity earned him respect on the field. Fans are optimistic that his strong character will help the four-time world champions qualify for next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

‎Italy, third in World Cup qualifying Group I, will host Estonia on September 5th before taking on Israel three days later.

‎”My goal is that whoever comes to the training ground comes with great enthusiasm and to create a family,” said Gattuso, who, according to a source at the Italian soccer federation (FIGC), was given a one-year contract.

‎Gattuso dedicated most of his playing career to AC Milan, winning two Champions League titles and two Serie A titles with the club. He later returned to coach AC Milan from 2017 to 2019.

‎As a manager, he achieved success by leading Napoli to victory in the Coppa Italia in 2020.

‎”The primary aim is to create a sense of belonging” to the Azzurri team, Gattuso told reporters during his presentation to the press at a luxury hotel in central Rome.

‎The new coach said he believed players felt the pressure of having missed out on qualification for two World Cups in a row and that was weighing on the team’s performance.

‎”We must be good at reacting, only those who react and give it all can get out of this situation,” he said.