Recently, Italy national football team head coach Gennaro Gattuso accepted an interview, in which he talked about the details of coaching the national team.
Experience Working with Lippi in 2006?
“I want to thank him. And I don’t deny that since I became the national team coach, I have ‘copied and pasted’ his approach back then in many ways. If you want to build a team, there’s really only one way to do it—stay consistent and authentic. When a player is in trouble, give him a little more trust; when someone feels they can’t do it, help them persist until the end and make the players feel a sense of belonging. In this regard, he is a true mentor.”
Agreeing to Coach the National Team?
“When someone offered me the position of national team head coach, I agreed immediately without weighing the pros and cons at all. I accepted this position and have never regretted it. I am proud to represent my country. I feel blessed and very lucky. Having the opportunity to coach the Italy national team, I believe millions of people would want to be in my shoes.”
Regarding the Playoffs?
“We must not repeat the mistake we made against North Macedonia four years ago. Modern football tells us that there are no so-called easy games anymore, and any opponent can cause you trouble. The key is how to respond: when unfavorable situations arise, you must not be depressed, but maintain stability and continuity throughout the 90 minutes.”
“In three months, we will face a very important challenge, and the whole country is waiting for us. We need to stay calm, approach that moment with the right mindset, and carry a sense of responsibility and self-respect for the country and this jersey. I hope by then, we will be fully prepared to embrace whatever comes our way.”
