Gravina explains why Italy picked Gattuso, confirms ‘independent’ project | OneFootball

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina insists Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment as Italy national team coach goes beyond ‘mere enthusiasm’ and confirms Simone Perrotta and Gianluca Zambrotta will join Cesare Prandelli in an ‘independent’ project to develop young players.

Gravina addressed the media on Thursday, before Gattuso’s unveiling press conference as Italy’s coach.

“Gattuso is the new head coach of the national team. He has the qualities, the determination and above all the desire to achieve something great for the Azzurri and our country,” Gravina said via TMW.

“The National Team needs him. Gattuso answered the Azzurri’s call without hesitation. He responded with the same enthusiasm he showed when he was called up as a player.

“I wouldn’t make the mistake of reducing his commitment to mere enthusiasm. There’s much more to it. A great spirit of sacrifice, tremendous professionalism and an extraordinary level of preparation. What struck me from the very beginning was his willingness to put ‘us’ ahead of ‘I’.

Why Italy picked Gattuso as new head coach

HAMBURG, GERMANY – FEBRUARY 15: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Olympique de Marseille looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League 2023/24 Knockout Round Play-offs First Leg match between FC Shakhtar Donetsk and Olympique de Marseille at Volksparkstadion on February 15, 2024 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

“He immediately wanted to send very clear messages, overflowing with enthusiasm. He told me right away that nobody wins alone,” Gravina continued.

“We win together, we go to the World Cup together. I believe this is the most beautiful message. Those who love the National Team today must take a step forward and try to support this project for the good of the Azzurri, for our sport and the good of football.

“It was a shared decision. Gianluigi Buffon played a significant role. His contribution was crucial in shaping this project. It was a shared choice, both looking at the man and the coach. We are confident of Rino’s technical qualities. There is concrete evidence of his abilities, and I am convinced he will be a man of results. He knows Italian football very well, including the players’ mentality and the pressure from the media, having experienced intense environments such as Napoli and Milan. Personally, I have always appreciated his work with young players.

“As a Federation, we will support him in building a united, ambitious and courageous group. He now faces a complex but fascinating task. To bring back enthusiasm, identity and results.”

Gravina also confirmed the start of a project overseen by former Italy and Fiorentina coach Prandelli.

Gravina confirms new Italy project

“We add the Prandelli project, supported by two World Cup champions, Simone Perrotta and Gianluca Zambrotta,” said Gravina.

“They will be responsible for developing our players’ potential in the best possible way, starting with the youth sectors, supporting the youth system and the technical area.

“This will be an additional project, operating independently but in line with Gattuso’s. It will be of great interest and importance for the technical development of our players.

“I’m pleased that Leonardo Bonucci will be working with Gattuso, alongside Andrea Barzagli. They will play a key role in our project. We turned to people who understand our identity, people who know the true value of the Italian national team.”