Presented at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome, Gennaro Gattuso officially began his journey as Italy's new head coach, laying out a clear message built around unity and work ethic. "I promise commitment, passion, and a deep connection with the players' mindset", Gattuso said, invoking the legacy of Marcello Lippi and calling for a renewed sense of belonging to the national shirt.
The former World Cup winner addressed critics with calm resolve, particularly responding to institutional skepticism from figures like La Russa. "Respect and humanity in the dressing room come before everything else", he noted.
Gattuso was also clear on discipline: "If a player has a minor injury, he stays with us and recovers here—we have therapists and top facilities. Once you're with the national team, you're here until the end".
It’s official: Gattuso appointed new head coach of the Italian national team
16 Jun - 10:22 •
1' min
Gianluigi Buffon, now part of the FIGC leadership, expressed full confidence in the new coach: "His teams have always been structured and tough to beat. I found them very difficult to face." FIGC president Gabriele Gravina echoed the sentiment: "We need passion, identity, and results. Gattuso knows what the Azzurri shirt means, and he's ready for the pressure".
