Gattuso names three players he didn’t call up but are ‘part of Italy project’ | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso did not call up Samuele Ricci, Alessandro Buongiorno and Bryan Cristante for Italy games against Estonia and Israel, but the Azzurri boss insists that the trio is ‘part of the project.’

Gattuso held a press conference at Coverciano on Monday, which was attended by Football Italia.

Gattuso will change Italy’s system

Gennaro Gattuso’s during his first press conference at Coverciano on September 1, 2025.

The Azzurri boss said he’ll switch to a four-man defence and reiterated that the players must show a sense of belonging.

He explained that Federico Chiesa didn’t feel ready to play for Italy, so they mutually agreed to wait for the next round of international games.

Gattuso: Ricci, Buongiorno and Cristante are part of the project

epa11984157 Alessandro Buongiorno of Italy (R) gestures during the UEFA Nations League quarterfinal, 2nd leg match between Germany and Italy in Dortmund, Germany, 23 March 2025. EPA-EFE/FRIEDEMANN VOGEL

“It’s not difficult to make the call-ups. We left Ricci, Buongiorno, and Cristante at home, along with others who are still part of the project. It’s not difficult,” Gattuso added.

“As for formations, many teams play with three at the back, but then you have to choose the right players for the system. The league has become very difficult, beyond just tactical knowledge. You have to be sharp, it’s always man against man, and it has become tough to play in. Many teams press high, and it’s not easy at all.”