Gattuso brings first Italy change after Spalletti
Gennaro Gattuso stated in his first press conference as Italy's coach that the players called up should remain at Coverciano, even with minor injuries, adopting a different approach than his predecessor, Luciano Spalletti.
Gattuso was unveiled at a press conference in Rome on Thursday, and even if he admitted he would not have time to make 'big changes', he already announced a switch from his predecessor Spalletti.
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Gattuso said that his first request to Italy Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina was to keep players at the Italy training centre in Coverciano, Florence, during international breaks, even if they have minor injuries.
The new Italy boss insisted that the national team has an adequate staff to monitor and treat players dealing with minor injuries, so they should remain with the national team if called up.
Gattuso's first Italy change
SAN SEBASTIAN, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 06: Head coach Gennaro Gattuso of Valencia CF reacts during the LaLiga Santander match between Real Sociedad and Valencia CF at Reale Arena on November 06, 2022 in San Sebastian, Spain. (Photo by Juan Manuel)
'The first thing I asked the President and Buffon was: Anyone coming to Coverciano must stay, even if they have a minor issue,' said Gattuso.
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'We have everything in place to treat them. To be credible and avoid excuses. If a player is called up, he stays in Coverciano, just like when I played. If we can't get them healthy, then they return to their club. What matters most is spending time together. Players usually sustain minor injuries when playing 50 or 60 games a year, but we can't start setting dangerous precedents.'
Spalletti different approach
REGGIO NELL'EMILIA, ITALY – JUNE 9: Luciano Spalletti head coach of Italy gestures during the FIFA 2026 Qualifier between Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Citta' del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio nell'Emilia, Italy. (Photo by)
Spalletti employed an entirely different approach, sending back to the clubs those who arrived at Coverciano in poor shape.
One of the latest examples was this past March when Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui was forced to pull out of the team due to a muscle problem.
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'We sent Retegui back home because he would not recover, but we hope he returns for the next Atalanta game,' Spalletti said.
'The exact problem is not well defined, but he has [muscle] fatigue, and, as we've always done, we decided to release him.'
Gattuso said he had spoken to Spalletti: 'I have enormous respect for him,' the new Italy boss said.
'He's a true football mind and innovates every year.'
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