Gravina explains why Italy picked Gattuso, confirms ‘independent' project
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.
Advertisement
'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)
'He immediately wanted to send very clear messages, overflowing with enthusiasm. He told me right away that nobody wins alone,' Gravina continued.
Advertisement
'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.
Advertisement
'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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Fabrizio Romano confirms Serie A club Como 'have tried to sign' Man United's Antony 'in recent days'
Serie A outfit Serie A have made an attempt to sign Manchester United winger Antony over the past few days, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has revealed. Antony failed to live up to the massive £86m fee United forked out to secure his services from Ajax in the summer of 2022. Advertisement He registered only 12 goals and five assists in 96 appearances for the Red Devils, but a short loan stint with Real Betis in Spain seems to have reignited his form. Antony enjoyed a dramatic improvement in fortunes under Manuel Pellegrini, notching 14 goals contributions in 26 appearances – just five shy of his entire United tally in nearly a quarter of the time. The Brazilian has made no secret of his desire to continue with Betis, who are also working to try and agree a deal with United. Such is Antony's eagerness to return to Seville that he is reportedly willing to accept a 30% pay cut to make the move happen. Advertisement But Los Verdiblancos are not the only club eyeing Antony. He has also been linked to Juventus, Real Sociedad and Atletico Madrid. A report covered by The Peoples Person earlier this week relayed that Antony is also of interest to Premier League teams, with Brentford and Aston Villa having enquired about the conditions of a transfer. But, they were told that his top priority is Betis. Now, Romano has revealed that a new club has entered the fray for the 25-year-old, Como. Romano wrote on X, 'Italian side Como have tried to sign Antony in the recent days but Brazilian winger is giving priority to Real Betis return.' Advertisement 'Man United are also aware of Antony's preference to continue at Betis next season, no club to club agreement yet.' If United are unable to strike a compromise with Betis, then the Red Devils can rest assured that there will be no shortage of suitors for the forward. Antony is not thought to have a future at Old Trafford. There have even been suggestions that Ruben Amorim will not include him in the club's pre-season squad. Featured image Octavio Passos via Getty Images Follow us on Bluesky: @
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Juventus' Nico Gonzalez on Sarri's wishlist for Lazio
Lazio coach Maurizio Sarri has reportedly requested the club to sign Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez as part of their transfer strategy. The 27-year-old sealed a transfer to the Bianconeri last summer on loan with an obligation to buy for circa €33 million.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Tiah-Mai Ayton: Boxing's Next Superstar Steps Into The Pro Ranks
Tiah-Mai Ayton: Boxing's Next Superstar Steps Into The Pro Ranks originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Many have already hailed Briton Tiah-Mai Ayton as the next major star in women's boxing, making her one of the sport's most promising prospects. Advertisement She is only 18 years old, yet she has won all 21 of her amateur fights, giving her an unbeaten record and solidifying her position as a formidable opponent. Five national crowns and a gold medal from the Under-19 World Amateur Championships, which she won spectacularly last year, are among her many achievements. Ayton's quick ascent through the amateur ranks attracted the interest of both promoters and boxing fans. In a very competitive area, her power, skill, and poise have made her stand out. She is now prepared to move forward and start her professional career after signing a long-term promotional contract with Matchroom Boxing. Ayton is well-positioned to have a significant influence on the world stage now that he has joined Matchroom, one of the largest sports promotion firms. This action demonstrates her sincere desire to have a significant impact on women's boxing. Ayton has everything it takes to win a world championship in the future with the correct direction, publicity, and preparation. Her debut is highly anticipated, and her transition from amateur to professional is being attentively monitored. Ayton, who is well-known for her aggressive fighting style and deft technical skills, is supposed to make every battle exciting. Although the teen's talent and discipline indicate she is prepared for the exam, the professional ranks will present additional hurdles. Ayton embodies a new generation of British talent ready to transform the sport as more young female fighters gain prominence. She is an inspiration to wannabe boxers nationwide in addition to being a possible future world champion. Tiah-Mai Ayton is a name that the boxing community will be hearing a lot more about in the years to come because of her unbeaten amateur record, world title already under her belt, and support from one of the sport's top promoters. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
