Gattuso: ‘Italy need both humility and arrogance’ against Estonia | OneFootball

Gennaro Gattuso keeps people guessing on what tactical system Italy will adopt against Estonia on his debut. ‘We must have both humility and arrogance’ when taking risks.

The new coach was appointed in June to take over from Luciano Spalletti, but didn’t get to start work with the squad until this week.

His debut will be at the Stadio di Bergamo against Estonia on Friday at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Gattuso keeps fans guessing on Italy tactics

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: The Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso attends the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

“I know that I won’t be able to sleep tonight,” confessed Gattuso in his press conference.

“It’s not excitement that keeps me up, but thoughts. I remain profoundly proud that the Federation, President Gabriele Gravina, Gigi Buffon and everyone gave me this extraordinary opportunity.

“I might feel emotional when I look up in the stands to see my father, mother and sister. But then we focus on the game.”

There are already many question marks about the tactical approach that he will take, but he is expected to shelve Spalletti’s three-man defence for a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.

“Numbers are not important, we know what we want to do and prepared it well. We must think about tomorrow’s match, then the next game against Israel, so one game at a time.

“We have been studying Estonia for two months, they build out from the back with quality, including from the goalkeeper, and if you don’t press them well then they can attack very effectively.

“They defend with four at the back, but can switch to five, and are dangerous with rapid counter-attacks. We need a great performance, because everyone thinks it’s meant to be easy, but there are no easy games.”

ROME, ITALY – JUNE 19: Gianluigi Buffon, Italy new head coach Gennaro Gattuso and FIGC president Gabriele Gravina pose during the press conference at Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19, 2025 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

He asked for a combination of very conflicting approaches in different moments.

“We must have humility and arrogance. Humility is fighting back when you misplace a pass, arrogance is choosing to make a difficult pass and not just worrying you’ll get it wrong and therefore avoiding risks.”

Gattuso was asked to comment on why Italy has been struggling to create and develop young talent in recent years, and he pointed to a cultural shift.

“I don’t know how many youth centres have closed, while kids no longer play football in the street, as their parents are too worried. There are fewer and fewer opportunities for kids to just play, they only get 7-8 hours on the field per week now.

“We lack the infrastructure of other countries, while it costs €6,000 per year just for the right kit. We don’t lack talent, the problem is that they don’t get the chance to play.”