Brighton, England – December 14: Marseille head coach Gennaro Gatuso watches the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Olympic de Marseille at the American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo: Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)
New Italian coach Gennaro Gattuso has revealed he has already spoken on the phone with 35 players, including Federico Chiesa, but Gabriele Gravina and Gigi Buffon’s initial request was, “People who come to Caucciano must stay, even if they have minor injuries.”
Gatuso was announced at a press conference on Thursday.
The former midfielder replaced Luciano Spalletti as Italian head coach.
“This is a dream. I hope I’m trying my job. I know it’s not easy, but it’s often the case in life. My staff and I know there’s a lot of work ahead, but I’m sure we can achieve something really great.”
“There’s work to do. You meet players, talk to them, you get into your mind. I’ve heard they’re not talented for years, but I think the players are there. We need to put them in the right conditions to perform at their best. The goal is to go back to the World Cup. That’s fundamental for us and Italian football.
“We need to rediscover our enthusiasm and stop thinking negatively. If players come to CoverCiano, they should be excited and do so,” he continued.
“Building a family is paramount. Beyond tactics and techniques, we need to reconstruct the spirit of the group that has defined us for many years.”
Gattuso claimed that Italy lacked a shortage of quality players.
“We have important players. Four or five of this group are the top 10 in the world of their roles,” CT said.
“I repeat that. It’s about the team, not the individual. I’m sure this team has value and can achieve its goals.
“This year, there are 68% of foreign players in Serie A. This number should make us think. We need to give young players a chance. It’s not easy to swallow two editions of the World Cup in a row. That’s what we need to rediscover enthusiasm. Fear doesn’t lead to anywhere.”
The winner of the 2006 Italian World Cup confirmed that Euro 2020 champion Leonardo Bonucci will be part of his staff.
“My image as a player is hard to shake. Everyone thinks of me as all my heart and grit, but honestly, I couldn’t get into the team that wanted to build an old Gattuso today,” Gattuso said.
“That’s true. Let’s be clear. You don’t coach for 11 or 12 years just with your mind and grit. I enjoy staying up to date and talking about football. The game has changed. Every player has their own way of thinking.
Reporters argued that Gatuso has not won many trophies in his coaching career, as Coppa Italia with Napoli in the 2019-20 season remains his only major title.
“In Hajduk, 19 years later, we fought for the title with a team full of young people,” Gattuso replied.
“It depends on how things are reported. There’s only one team that wins the league, but it’s essential to see the work done. Has the team grown?”
Gattuso spoke about his recent call with the former Azuri boss, coached by Marcello Lippi in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory campaign.
Gattuso reveals first Italian request
“I hope Marcello can do what he’s done. He’s not necessarily lifting the trophy, he’s creating that chemical in the locker room,” he said.
“I want to rebuild that sense of belonging. I want to see players smile at Caucciano and feel better. I need to interact effectively with the team. Times have changed. We need to get right into their heads.
“There were so many messages, but listening to my parents getting emotional was a really fun moment. There were so many messages, but listening to my mother and father meant a lot.”
Gatuso was asked what he thought of Francesco Aservi’s refusal to play under Luciano Spalletti, but he also mentioned the inter defender at the end of the press conference.
“We need to understand why players refuse to play. The first thing we asked the president and Buffon was that people who come to Caucciano have to stay, even if there are minor issues,” Gatuso said.
“We have everything in place to treat them. It’s reliable and to avoid excuses. If the player is called, he stays in the cover charno just like when I played. If they don’t get healthy, they can go back to the club.
Gatuso was called Chiesa, but not Aserbi.
“There are always challenging moments on the pitch. It’s difficult if someone doesn’t run through the extra yard. We need to change this way of thinking. We must be able to tell each other difficult truths. We can only grow this way.”
Gatuso revealed that he has already spoken with 35 Italian players who can already be part of his team.
“We’ve recently called 35 players and we’ll make sure the league tells us the USS. Some have been left behind before, but they may be able to help us.
“I saw the Norwegian game. It was tough. They played at three or four times our pace. Some of our players had just lost a lot in the Champions League and there was no energy in the moment.
“I spoke to Luciano (Sparetti). I have great respect for him. He innovates with a true football mind every year. Right now, I need to decide on the best course of action. He has done an important job with the national team, but there is no time for big opportunities.”
However, Acerbi was not on the list of players called Gattuso.
“No, I’m not talking to him. Aservi has made a huge contribution to football. A lot has been said, but that doesn’t matter involving me. My choices are different. I have no problem with him, but I didn’t call him.
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