Newcastle United midfielder Sandro Tonali has been likened to the AC Milan legend
Sandro Tonali’s hero Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as Italy manager following Luciano Spalletti's sacking.
A crushing 3-0 defeat to Norway marked the end of Spalletti’s reign as Gli Azzurri aim to qualify for their first World Cup in 12 years. Not since 2014 have the four-time world champions starred at FIFA’s flagship competition.
Italy recovered to beat Moldova in what proved to be Spalletti’s final game but a decision had already been made on his future. The 66-year-old was given his marching orders and has now been replaced by former AC Milan enforcer Gattuso.
Italy appoint Gennaro Gattuso
A midfield destroyer in his prime, the Serie A legend has enjoyed an equally fiery managerial career, with 10 jobs in 12 years. Italy have now turned to him in their hour of desperate need with the World Cup looming next year.
Gabriele Gravina, the FIGC president, detailed what traits the ex-midfielder will bring to the role. He said: “Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the National Team.
“Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve, I thank him for the availability and total dedication with which he has received this challenge, sharing the FIGC project for the overall development of our football, in which the blue jersey plays a strategic central role.”
Sandro Tonali on Gennaro Gattuso impact
Speaking in 2023, Newcastle United talisman opened up about how Gattuso influenced his style of play. The 25-year-old has been likened to the Italian legend since his early AC Milan days.
"What impact has Gattuso had on my career?” Tonali said. “We met a few times and on each occasion he explained many things about himself, about football, he also gave me a lot of advice that will make a difference in the future.
"We have a good relationship, almost a friendship because it's not a normal relationship. He scolds me even when he has to, he can be tough because he wants the best from everyone, we all know how he is. If he has a goal, he wants to reach it at any cost, giving all he can. He is a special person, a good person, a pure person, he helps you in a thousand different ways.”
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‘He gave everything’ - Sandro Tonali
"He gave everything he could, from start to finish, without ever giving up, his grit was recognised by everyone,” Tonali added. “He could run non-stop, he played even when he was injured, he could play in a thousand different ways. He was always there, he always ran and he put his heart into everything he did.
“I'm happy to have met such a person, I'm happy to have met my idol and I was able to talk to him often. I think he was a great champion and he showed it on the pitch. There's time for me to prove it, getting close to him would be incredible."
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