Gattuso: «Returning to the World Cup is fundamental, I hope to change La Russa's mind»

"Returning to the World Cup is fundamental for our football: I have a difficult job ahead of me, but there is nothing easy in life". These are the first words of Gennaro Gattuso , the new coach of the Italian national football team, called to replace Luciano Spalletti , who was fired after the heavy defeat in Norway. "I often hear that our football has no talent: but the players are there, we need to put them in the conditions to give their best". Gattuso then admitted that the new role "is a dream come true. There is little to talk about, a lot to work on".

Then the former Milan midfielder spoke of a national team, his, that intends to be a family. "We need to rediscover enthusiasm, and unity in difficult moments - he added - We need the team spirit that has always been the characteristic of the Azzurri". Gattuso then concluded: "Whoever comes to Coverciano must come with enthusiasm, being a family will be the most important thing. Then technique and tactics come later, now we need to become a group again".

Regarding his past, Gattuso said he had «heard so many things about me in these years, everyone thinks of me as a footballer, all heart and determination, but I believe that as a coach I made my teams play well: today I wouldn't put a Gattuso who made a mess on the pitch, I see football differently as a coach», he added and regarding the president of the Senate Ignazio La Russa, who had commented on his nomination by stressing that he didn't agree that he was a “symbol” of Italian football, the new coach confirmed that he didn't want to create any controversy. «I only hope to make him change his mind, to take Italy to the World Cup to make him change it».

Head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon recalled that he had "the opportunity with Rino to gain many experiences as a player, then also as an opponent I faced the teams he coached and they were always difficult matches". "Then his nature is to be a fighter and no one can take that away from him, but he is also a gentleman who has been coaching for 12 years and has gained experience all over Europe. He felt the desire to improve and evolve. If we put a label on someone it is because we do not want to know that person better", added the former national team goalkeeper, almost as if to forestall some criticism for the choice of the new coach.

"Gattuso is the new coach because he has the qualities and the determination, but above all the desire to achieve something great for the Azzurri and our country. The national team needs him and he responded without hesitation to the call. We are convinced of Rino's human and technical qualities. He will be the man of results", said Gabriele Gravina , president of the FIGC, during the presentation of the new coach. "There is a great spirit of sacrifice, professionalism and preparation. Then something extraordinary that struck me as soon as I saw them: he put we before I, sending clear messages with overflowing enthusiasm. He told me straight away that no one wins alone and that we all go to the World Cup together", he added. And then again: "We have chosen a coach who is not afraid to take on responsibilities, who knows what it means to wear the Azzurri shirt. We know that his task will be difficult, but also fascinating: to bring back identity and results".