Gennaro Gattuso (Part 2)

Gennaro Gattuso had a distinguished international career representing Italy at various tournaments and competitions. He made his senior international debut in a friendly match against Sweden on 23 February 2000 under the management of Dino Zoff. Notably, he scored his first and only goal for Italy in a friendly against England later that year, netting the winning goal in a 1–0 victory with a powerful strike from outside the area.
Gattuso participated in several major tournaments for Italy, including the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, the 2009 Confederations Cup, and the 2010 World Cup. He played a significant role in Italy's triumph at the 2006 World Cup under the guidance of Marcello Lippi, forming a formidable midfield partnership with Andrea Pirlo.


Gattuso's work-rate and ability to break down possession were instrumental in Italy's success, earning him recognition as one of the top performers in the tournament. He was named in the tournament's All-Star Team for his contributions.
Throughout his international career, Gattuso made 73 appearances for Italy. He also served as the team's captain on occasion, notably taking the armband in a friendly match against Greece in November 2008. Gattuso announced his retirement from international duty after the 2010 World Cup, where Italy suffered a first-round elimination following a defeat against Slovakia in their final group match. Despite the disappointment of the tournament, Gattuso's contributions to the national team were widely acknowledged, and he remains one of Italy's most revered midfielders.


Gennaro Gattuso is widely regarded as one of the greatest holding midfielders of all time, known for his tenacity, work rate, and leadership on the pitch. Despite not possessing exceptional technical skills, Gattuso compensated with his physical strength, aggression, and tactical intelligence. He primarily operated as a central or defensive midfielder but could also adapt to roles on the right flank or even as a central defender when required.
Gattuso's playing style was characterized by his relentless energy and combative nature. He was known for his fierce tackling, quick reactions, and excellent positional sense, which made him a formidable ball-winner in midfield. His partnership with Andrea Pirlo, both at club and international level, was pivotal to their teams' success. While Pirlo orchestrated attacks from a deeper position, Gattuso provided defensive cover and support, breaking up opposition plays and distributing the ball efficiently to his teammates.


Nicknamed "Ringhio" (Snarl) for his ferocious demeanor on the pitch, Gattuso's competitive spirit and determination were evident in every match he played. He led by example, inspiring his teammates with his tireless work ethic and never-say-die attitude. Gattuso's contributions extended beyond his on-field performances; he was revered for his leadership qualities and ability to galvanize his team in crucial moments.
Throughout his career, Gattuso earned praise for his consistent performances and unwavering commitment to the team's cause. His legacy as one of the greatest defensive midfielders of all time is a testament to his remarkable abilities and enduring impact on the game.


Gennaro Gattuso embarked on his coaching journey while still playing for AC Milan. He began by attending a course for the UEFA A Licence in 2011 and successfully passed the exam in July of that year. Gattuso transitioned into management when he was appointed as the new manager of Swiss club Sion. This move came after manager Víctor Muñoz was demoted following a disappointing defeat in the Swiss Super League. Gattuso took charge of the team, becoming the fifth manager of the club during the 2012–2013 season.
Gattuso's managerial career got off to a positive start, as he secured a 2–0 away victory against Lausanne in a Swiss Cup match on 27 February 2013. However, his tenure at Sion was short-lived, and he was ultimately sacked on 13 May 2013. Despite the brevity of his time at the club, this experience marked the beginning of Gattuso's coaching journey, setting the stage for his future endeavors in football management.


After his departure from Sion, Gennaro Gattuso was strongly linked with the managerial position at Palermo in May 2013, following the club's relegation to Serie B. Club president Maurizio Zamparini confirmed on 3 June 2013 that there was a verbal agreement in place with Gattuso, contingent upon the release of then-manager Giuseppe Sannino from his contract. The appointment was officially announced on 19 June, after Gattuso successfully terminated his contract with Sion. He brought Luigi Riccio, his assistant from Sion, to work with him at Palermo. Gattuso's time at Palermo was short-lived. Despite high hopes, he was dismissed on 25 September 2013 after the team managed only two wins and a draw in the first six league games of the season.
During the 2013–2014 season, Gattuso also continued his coaching education by attending a course for the UEFA Pro Licence. He successfully passed the exam in September 2014, further enhancing his qualifications as a football manager.


Gennaro Gattuso took on the role of manager at OFI Crete in the Superleague Greece. During his tenure at OFI Crete, rumors circulated about financial difficulties within the club, with reports suggesting that players and staff were not receiving their wages. Gattuso vehemently denied these rumors in a press conference, expressing frustration and using strong language to address the situation.
However, Gattuso's time at OFI Crete was fraught with challenges. On 26 October 2014, following a 2–3 home loss to Asteras Tripolis, he tendered his resignation as head coach, citing the club's financial troubles as a primary reason for his decision. Despite this, he reversed his decision the following day after being persuaded by club supporters and the board to remain in his position.


Ultimately, on 30 December 2014, Gattuso officially resigned as manager of OFI Crete due to ongoing financial issues plaguing the club. Gattuso applied for the managerial role at Scottish club Hamilton Academical following the departure of Alex Neil.
On 20 August 2015, Gennaro Gattuso was appointed as the manager of Pisa, then competing in Lega Pro. Under his leadership, Pisa achieved promotion to Serie B on 12 June 2016 by defeating Foggia 5–3 on aggregate in the Lega Pro promotion play-off final.
However, Gattuso's time at Pisa was marked by turbulence. On 31 July, he abruptly departed from the club, citing "serious, constant, and unacceptable" issues as the reason for his departure. Just a month later, Gattuso returned to Pisa as the team's head coach. However, despite his efforts, the following season saw Pisa finish in last place in Serie B, boasting the second-best defense but the worst attack in the league. Gattuso resigned once again, this time definitively, following the disappointing campaign.

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