Newly-appointed Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso is confident about the quality of the current players at his disposal and has urged fans to change their mindset about them, Afrosport reports.
The ex-AC Milan midfielder signed a one-year contract as the new Azzurri boss, replacing Luciano Spalletti, who departed after the 3-0 loss to Norway in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
Despite winning the Euro 2020 championship, Italy fans have complained about the lack of quality in the squad, which has seen them miss the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and risk missing out on the third consecutive edition next year on the North American continent.
Gattuso, however, has a different view. He said: “We have important players; four or five in this group are among the top ten in the world in their roles.
“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.”
Gattuso will make his debut as Italy boss in a World Cup qualifier at home to Estonia on September 5, and stressed the importance of having the players in the right conditions.
“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,” he added.
“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.”
Gennaro Gattuso is the new First Team Head Coach 🇮🇹
Welcome back, Rino 👊#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/H6oQZWJcca— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 15, 2025
Italy represents the 10th managerial job for Gattuso, having coached Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete, Pisa, AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Olympique Marseille and Hajduk Split.
