Bastoni: ‘Gattuso has great leadership qualities’ for Italy squad | OneFootball

Alessandro Bastoni confirms new coach Gennaro Gattuso has brought the same ‘leadership’ skills that he had as an Italy player, and explains why the goal against Estonia was so special.

The Inter defender completed the rout in a 5-0 victory over Estonia on Friday, their first 2026 World Cup qualifier under Gattuso after Luciano Spalletti was sacked in June.

“I am very happy, as my whole family was in the stands,” Bastoni told Vivo Azzurro.

He was a product of the Atalanta youth academy who hails from Bergamo, so his family was present at the Stadio di Bergamo on Friday night.

“We know how important goal difference could be in qualifying, so I am happy in general with the way the evening went.”

Bastoni hails Gattuso impact on Italy players

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Alessandro Bastoni of Italy in action during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

Mateo Retegui bagged a brace, with Moise Kean, Giacomo Raspadori and Bastoni on target to give Gattuso a perfect start to his Azzurri experience.

Of course, this is his debut as a coach, but as a player Gattuso had been part of the 2006 World Cup winning team.

“We remember what he was like as a player, he has this incredible leadership quality, he manages to transmit grit and hunger. When you are tired, he gives you something extra. We thank him and hope to have a great journey under his guidance,” added Bastoni.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy gesture during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“The coach worked hard on our attitude, repeating words like ‘enthusiasm, hunger, determination and grit.’ These are all elements we were missing recently, but we managed to put them onto the pitch against Estonia from start to finish.

“We’re happy, because we really needed this performance.”

Italy are back in action for another crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Israel on Monday, which will be hosted on neutral turf in Hungary.