Gennaro Gattuso is assured he can obtain nice issues with Italy as the brand new Azzurri boss units his sights on the “elementary” purpose of qualifying for the World Cup.
Gattuso changed Luciano Spalletti, who was relieved of his duties following a dreadful begin to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, with Italy hammered 3-0 by Norway. The Azzurri adopted that up with a 2-0 win over Moldova in Spalletti’s closing recreation in cost.
Italy haven’t certified for a World Cup since exiting within the group stage of the 2014 match, however a failure to succeed in the expanded 48-team finals would mark a brand new low.
Gattuso, although, is adamant Italy have the standard to progress to the finals, believing the important thing lies of their mindset.
“This can be a dream come true. I hope I’m as much as the duty,” Gattuso advised his introductory press convention.
“I do know it’s not going to be straightforward, however that’s typically the case in life. My employees and I are conscious that a number of work lies forward, however we’re assured that we will obtain one thing really nice,” Gattuso mentioned.
“There’s work to be accomplished. Assembly gamers, speaking to them, entering into their heads. I’ve been listening to for years that there’s no expertise, however I imagine the gamers are there. We have to put them in the fitting circumstances to carry out at their greatest. The purpose is to return to the World Cup. It’s elementary for us and Italian soccer.
“We have to rediscover enthusiasm and cease considering negatively. When gamers come to Coverciano, they need to accomplish that with pleasure.
“Making a household is a very powerful factor. Past ways and method, we have to rebuild that group spirit that has outlined us for thus a few years.
“We now have vital gamers; 4 or 5 on this group are among the many high ten on the planet of their roles.
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➡️ https://t.co/EwHodhPFUs #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/Mv3MWtcDBd— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 19, 2025
“I’ll repeat it. It’s concerning the staff, not people. I’m satisfied this squad has values and might obtain its purpose. When [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Gabriele] Gravina referred to as me, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I imagine we now have what it takes to succeed.
“Lacking two editions of the World Cup in a row isn’t straightforward to swallow. That’s why we should rediscover enthusiasm; worry leads nowhere.”
Gattuso has already coached in Italian home soccer and in Switzerland, Greece, Spain, France and Croatia.
His most up-to-date job was in Croatia with Hajduk, who completed third within the Croatian high flight in his sole season in cost, two factors behind champions Rijeka.
Gattuso’s lone main trophy as a coach got here with Napoli within the 2019-20 Coppa Italia.
Requested about his document, Gattuso replied: “At Hajduk, after 19 years, we fought for the title with a staff full of children.
“It depends upon how issues get reported. Just one staff wins the league, however it’s important to have a look at the work accomplished. Did the staff develop or not?.”
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Development is a key goal for Gattuso, a member of the Italy aspect that received the 2006 World Cup beneath Marcello Lippi.
Among the many points he inherits is one regarding Inter Milan centre-back Francesco Acerbi, who refused to play beneath Spalletti.
“I hope I can do what Marcello did. Not essentially elevate the trophy, however create that chemistry within the locker room,” Gattuso defined.
“I wish to rebuild that sense of belonging. I wish to see gamers arrive at Coverciano smiling and feeling good. I must work together with the staff successfully. Instances have modified. We have to get into their heads correctly. It’s not about anticipating them to alter, we’re those who ned to fulfill them midway.
“We have to perceive why a participant refuses to play. The very first thing I requested the president and Buffon was: Anybody coming to Coverciano should keep, even when they’ve a minor concern.
“We now have all the pieces in place to deal with them. To be credible and keep away from excuses. If a participant is known as up, he stays in Coverciano, identical to once I performed. If we will’t get them wholesome, then they return to their membership. What issues most is spending time collectively. Gamers normally maintain minor accidents when taking part in 50 or 60 video games a yr, however we will’t begin setting harmful precedents.
“There are all the time difficult moments on the pitch; if anyone doesn’t run the additional yard, it will get powerful. We have to change this mindset. We should have the ability to converse the onerous truths to one another. We are able to solely develop this fashion.”
