Gattuso goes on the offensive in Italy: ‘People need to love us’

Gennaro Gattuso has spoken out after his debut as Italy’s head coach, a night that could mark the beginning of a new era for the Azzurri.

His side demolished Estonia with a commanding 5–0 victory on Friday evening, in a World Cup Qualification fixture that carried enormous symbolic weight. While Estonia were never expected to trouble Italy, the nature of the win five goals scored in an explosive second half has immediately lifted the mood around a national team that has endured years of turbulence.

For Gattuso, stepping into the dugout for his first match since being appointed as head coach, the victory was about far more than three points in the group. It was about identity, spirit, and reconnecting the team with supporters who had grown frustrated with inconsistent results and a lack of direction. “We need to thank the boys for their performance,” he told RAI Sport. “They’ve shown such a great mentality over the past few days and really worked hard. The first match is behind us, they deserve all the praise, and now we must prepare for the next one.”

The context could not be more critical. Italian football has faced a period of crisis, one that has included missing out on both the 2018 and 2022 World Cups despite the high of winning Euro 2020. Luciano Spalletti, brought in to steady the ship, struggled to maintain consistency and eventually stepped aside. In came Gattuso a World Cup-winning midfielder in 2006, renowned for his fire, grit, and leadership on the pitch. The federation’s decision to appoint him was a gamble, but one rooted in the hope that he could restore passion, intensity, and unity within the squad.

Tactically, Gattuso wasted no time in putting his stamp on the team. Instead of opting for caution in his debut, he fielded four attacking players, choosing to go on the offensive from the start. “We played with two strikers and wingers,” he explained. “We knew we might face a few counterattacks because we wanted to attack, and at this level that means taking risks. Against a team that was weaker than us, with all due respect, it was only right to adopt this approach.” The strategy paid off spectacularly. After a cagey first half, Italy overwhelmed Estonia in the second, breaking them apart with relentless pace, movement, and attacking intent.

The result was not just a victory; it was a statement. Italy showed they could dominate weaker opponents in World Cup Qualification, something that has not always been guaranteed in recent years. More importantly, they played with a sense of urgency and purpose that had been missing. Fans, who have long demanded a more ambitious and entertaining approach, finally saw glimpses of a team that wants to fight, score goals, and excite the nation again.

Gattuso, however, was quick to stress that his mission is about more than winning matches. “Our goal is to make people happy and get Italians excited about the national team again,” he said. “Everyone knows I love a team that fights hard, because mistakes can happen, but you need the right attitude.” His words echoed his own playing style aggressive, relentless, and uncompromising qualities that he now expects his players to replicate.

The real test of Gattuso’s philosophy will come on Monday, when Italy face Israel in what could prove a pivotal match in the World Cup Qualification group. Unlike Estonia, Israel currently sit above Italy in the standings and pose a more serious challenge. Victory would not only confirm Italy’s resurgence but also keep them firmly in the race for automatic qualification. A setback, however, would bring back the doubts that have haunted the Azzurri in recent years.

This upcoming fixture has already been described by Italian media as the first “true exam” of Gattuso’s reign. Israel are known for their physicality and tactical discipline, and Gattuso will need to find the right balance between attacking ambition and defensive stability. Whether he sticks with his four-attacker system or opts for a more cautious approach will be one of the big talking points heading into the match.

Beyond tactics and standings, Gattuso’s arrival also carries emotional weight. His connection to the Italian public, forged during his playing days as a tireless warrior in midfield, gives him a unique ability to inspire both players and fans. His managerial career has had ups and downs, with stints at Milan, Napoli, and Valencia ending prematurely, but with the national team he now has the chance to prove himself on the biggest stage of all.

Friday’s 5–0 demolition of Estonia was just the start, but it has already created optimism. Italy have not only collected valuable points in the World Cup Qualification campaign, but they have also shown signs of a renewed identity. The Azzurri faithful, long disillusioned, can once again dream of a team that plays with passion and purpose. Monday’s clash with Israel will go a long way to determining whether that dream can become a lasting reality.