I already called 35 Italy players and made first request

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

New Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso reveals he has already spoken on the phone with 35 players, including Federico Chiesa, while the first request for Gabriele Gravina and Gigi Buffon was: ‘Those coming to Coverciano must stay, even if they have a minor injury.’

Gattuso was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday.

The former midfielder has replaced Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach.

“This is a dream come true. I hope I’m up to the task. I know it’s not going to be easy, but that’s often the case in life. My staff and I are aware that a lot of work lies ahead, but we are confident that we can achieve something truly great,” Gattuso said via TMW.

“There’s work to be done. Meeting players, talking to them, getting into their heads. I’ve been hearing for years that there’s no talent, but I believe 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. It’s fundamental for us and Italian football.

“We need to rediscover enthusiasm and stop thinking negatively. When players come to Coverciano, they should do so with excitement,” he continued.

“Creating a family is the most important thing. Beyond tactics and technique, we need to rebuild that group spirit that has defined us for so many years.”

Gattuso insisted that Italy do not lack quality players.

“We have important players; four or five in this group are among the top ten in the world in their roles,” said the CT.

“I’ll repeat it. It’s about the team, not individuals. I’m convinced this squad has values and can achieve its goal. When Buffon and Gravina called me, I didn’t hesitate for a second. I believe we have what it takes to succeed.

“This year, Serie A has had 68% foreign players; this number should make us think. We need to give young players a chance. Missing two editions of the World Cup in a row isn’t easy to swallow. That’s why we must rediscover enthusiasm; fear leads nowhere.”

The 2006 Italy World Cup winner confirmed Leonardo Bonucci, a Euro 2020 champion, would be part of his staff.

“My image as a player is hard to shake. Everyone thinks of me as all heart and grit, but honestly, today I wouldn’t put the old Gattuso into the team I want to build,” said Gattuso.

“That’s the truth. Let’s be clear. You don’t coach for 11 or 12 years with just heart and grit. I enjoy staying updated and discussing football. The game has changed, and every player has their own mindset. Nobody is the same. Today’s players are more professional, but it’s a bit harder to build group unity.”

A reporter argued that Gattuso hasn’t won many trophies in his coaching career, as the Coppa Italia with Napoli in the 2019-20 season remains his only major title.

“At Hajduk, after 19 years, we fought for the title with a team full of youngsters,” Gattuso replied.

“It depends on how things get reported. Only one team wins the league, but it’s essential to look at the work done. Did the team grow or not?”

Coached by Marcello Lippi in Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning campaign, Gattuso spoke about his recent phone call with the former Azzurri boss.

Gattuso reveals first Italy request

“I hope I can do what Marcello did. Not necessarily lift the trophy, but create that chemistry in the locker room,” he said.

“I want to rebuild that sense of belonging. I want to see players arrive at Coverciano smiling and feeling good. I need to interact with the team effectively. Times have changed. We need to get into their heads properly. It’s not about expecting them to change, we’re the ones who ned to meet them halfway.

“There were so many messages, but hearing my parents get emotional was a truly joyful moment. There were a lot of messages, but hearing my mom and dad meant a lot.”

Gattuso was asked his thoughts about Francesco Acerbi’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 a player refuses to play. The first thing I asked the President and Buffon was: Anyone coming to Coverciano must stay, even if they have a minor issue,” said Gattuso.

“We have everything in place to treat them. To be credible and avoid excuses. If a player is called up, he stays in Coverciano, just like when I played. If we can’t get them healthy, then they return to their club. What matters most is spending time together. Players usually sustain minor injuries when playing 50 or 60 games a year, but we can’t start setting dangerous precedents.

Gattuso called Chiesa but not Acerbi

“There are always challenging moments on the pitch; if somebody doesn’t run the extra yard, it gets tough. We need to change this mindset. We must be able to speak the hard truths to each other. We can only grow this way.”

Gattuso revealed he has already spoken with 35 Italy players who can potentially be part of his squad.

“I’ve called 35 players these days. We’ll see what the leagues tell USS. Some were left out before, but they might be able to help us. I also spoke to Chiesa and said to him that he needs to find a way to get settled and play consistently. This applies to everyone,” said Gattuso.

“I watched the Norway game; it was a tough one. They played at three or four times our pace. Some of our players had just come off a heavy loss in the Champions League, and we didn’t have the energy at that moment.

“I spoke with Luciano [Spalletti], and I have enormous respect for him. He’s a true football mind and innovates every year. Currently, I need to determine the best course of action. He did an important job with the national team, but we don’t have time for big chances.”

Acerbi, however, was not on the list of players Gattuso called.

“No, I haven’t spoken to him. Acerbi has made a significant contribution to football. A lot has been said, but it’s not an issue that involves me. My choices are different; I have no issue with him, but I didn’t call him. I chose younger players who I believe can help us more at this time,” the new Italy CT concluded.

Click here to read article