Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed following Italy’s 3-0 defeat in Norway in their opening World Cup qualifier in a result that puts their chances of reaching the tournament in serious jeopardy for the third time in a row.
“The national team shirt is heavy, but the word fear must not exist,” Gattuso said at his introductory press conference.
“We have a team that is good enough to go to the World Cup.
“Now we need to restore enthusiasm and the desire to be together and be united in difficult times.
“I have a clear idea of what to do, we need to find enthusiasm again and not think negatively.
“Whoever comes to (Italy’s training base at) Coverciano must come with enthusiasm.
“The most important thing is [the team] being a family. Technique and tactics come after, now we need to get back to being a team.”
The loss in Norway has made it difficult for Italy to top their group and qualify directly. They missed the last two World Cups after finishing second in their groups and then losing in the playoffs.
“Getting us back to the World Cup is fundamental for our football movement,” said Gattuso, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
“A difficult job awaits me, but nothing in life is easy. I often hear it said that our football movement has no talent, but the players are there, we need to put them in the conditions to give their best.”
Gattuso, 47, described leading the national team as a lifelong ambition.
“Being put in charge of the national team was a dream come true,” he said, “There is little to talk about and so much to work on.”
ANSA
