Exclusive: Exclusive: Gianluca Zambrotta Endorses Gennaro Gattuso as the Ideal Man to Revive Italy

Gianluca Zambrotta is optimistic that Gennaro Gattuso is the right man to lead the Italian national team. 

Following a disappointing run at Euro 2024 and lacklustre performances in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Luciano Spalletti was relieved of his duties and replaced by Gattuso. 

The Italian federation faced heavy criticism for falling short of expectations and its traditionally high standards, a stark contrast to the wave of optimism that followed their UEFA Euro 2020 triumph just four years ago. 

Italy has uncharacteristically failed to qualify for back-to-back FIFA World Cup tournaments—a streak they hope Gattuso can break. 

In this exclusive conversation, produced in collaboration with The Game Plan, Zambrotta shared his thoughts on Gattuso's appointment as Italy manager and what he brings to the national team. 

He also offered advice to young aspiring footballers–the kind he wishes he had received early in his career. 

Zambrotta was a special guest at International FC’s summer camp, held at St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School in Vaughan, Ontario, Canada. He attended on July 9—the 19th anniversary of Italy's 2006 FIFA World Cup triumph. 

Is Gattuso the Right Choice?

With a 12-year managerial career that includes brief spells at some of football's most historic clubs, such as Napoli and AC Milan, Gattuso now embarks on a new chapter—this time at the helm of Italy's national team. 

Gattuso, 47, returns to the Azzurri, where he once experienced career-defining highs, including winning the 2006 FIFA World Cup. 

Italy is currently 1-1 in qualifying, having lost 3-0 to Norway—led by top scorer Erling Haaland—in their first match, and defeated Moldova 2-0 in their second match. 

Zambrotta, Gattuso's former teammate during their World Cup-winning campaign, spoke highly of his character and leadership, qualities he witnessed firsthand as a teammate both on the national team and AC Milan until 2012. 

"It's absolutely a good choice," Zambrotta told SportsBoom.com via a translator. 

"I believe that, at this moment, it’s the most correct choice the [Italian] national team could have made." 

"So, I truly wish [Gattuso] the best, and hope that he can lead Italy to the next World Cup and try to bring them to a level where they can be contenders," he added. 

Embrace Challenges, Enjoy the Journey

Zambrotta came from humble beginnings, spending his first three seasons as a professional playing for hometown club Como in Italy's Serie C1. 

In 1997, he got his big break, joining newly-promoted Bari in Serie A. Known for his versatility and dynamic playing style as a wing-back, Zambrotta’s ability to play multiple positions made him a highly sought-after player.

His career continued to skyrocket, eventually taking him to Juventus, FC Barcelona, and AC Milan. 

Zambrotta will also be embarking on a new chapter in his career, joining Cesare Prandelli and former 2006 World Cup teammate Simone Perrotta in the federation's new project. 

Together, they will focus on developing youth players and supporting the youth sector from a technical perspective.

Now 48, Zambrotta emphasized that young aspiring players—whether national prospects under Gattuso or young kids lacing up their boots for the first time—should never lose sight of their joy for the game, no matter the challenges. 

"When I was young, I didn’t have a particular role model. Later on, as I grew up, certainly, I did," Zambrotta said. 

"For children, the most important thing—especially for aspiring players—is that they can still have fun."

"They’re allowed to make mistakes and enjoy being together."

"That’s the key. It’s important for young players to play with passion and inspiration and feel empowered to do what’s asked of them."

"That's something I've carried with me my entire life—being able to play the game."