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

"Returning to the World Cup for our football is fundamental: a difficult job awaits me, but nothing in life is easy." These are the first words of Gennaro Gattuso, the new head coach of the Italian national football team, called to replace Luciano Spalletti, exonerated 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, so much to work on'.

Then the former AC Milan midfielder spoke of a national team, his own, 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 come back as a group'.

Regarding his past, Gattuso said he had 'heard many things about me over the years, everyone thinks of me as a footballer, all heart and grit, but I believe that as a coach I made my teams play well: today a Gattuso who was messing around on the pitch I wouldn't put him on, I see football differently as a coach,' he added, and regarding Senate president Ignazio La Russa, who had commented on his appointment by pointing out that he did not agree that he was a 'symbol' of Italian football, the newly appointed coach confirmed that he did not want to make any controversy. 'I only hope to change his mind, to take Italy to the World Cup to make him change his mind,' he said.

Head coach Gianluigi Buffon recalled having had 'the opportunity with Rino to have 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 nobody can take that away from him, but he is also a gentleman who has been coaching for 12 years and has had experiences all over Europe. He has 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, as if to forestall some criticism for the choice of the new coach.

"Gattuso is the new coach because he has the quality and determination, but above all the desire to achieve something great for Italy and our country. The national team needs him and he answered the call without hesitation. 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 struck me as soon as I saw him: he put us before me, sending clear messages with overflowing enthusiasm. He immediately told me 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 responsibility, who knows what it means to wear the Azzurri jersey. We know that his task will be difficult, but also fascinating: to bring back identity and results'.