Gennaro Gattuso was one of the few Italians who were feared by the opponents when they faced him on the grounds in the 2000s. During that period, he was always in the headlines through his performances, fights and controversies. As a player, he always wanted to show the fierce Italian blood that flows through his veins.
Gattuso was a true leader on the field in his playing days, and he carried it with him when he became a manager. It might be his leadership quality that made him choose Valencia CF as his next club to manage. He knows that the club is in shackles and needs someone agile to take them to greatness in the coming years.
Earlier this month, Valencia CF reached an agreement with Gennaro Gattuso, who will become the first-team coach for the next two seasons until June 30, 2024.
The Italian, who had coached Napoli and AC Milan, agreed to a two-season contract and replaced Jose Bordalas, who left the club after just a season working at the Mestalla Stadium.
A talisman for AC Milan and Italy
Gattuso’s talismanic midfield partnership with playmaker Andrea Pirlo, both at the club and international level, played a crucial role in Italy’s World Cup victory in 2006, as well as Milan’s domestic, European, and international successes during the mid-2000s.
Despite not being blessed with exceptional technical skills, Gattuso’s pace, strength, and work rate complemented and supported Pirlo’s composed, creative playing style, while his energy, aggression, and hard-tackling style of play enabled him to make a name for himself as one of the best players in the world in his position.
In addition to his ball-winning abilities, Gattuso was renowned for his competitive nature and leadership qualities throughout his career, often wearing the captain’s armband for Milan following Paolo Maldini’s retirement.
He began his career playing for smaller clubs like Perugia and Salernitana. Also, had one season with the Scottish team Rangers. However, signing on to Milan became a turning point in his career as his partnership with Andrea Pirlo led the club to successful runs at major international events, including Coppa Italia, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup in 2003, as well as domestic events like the Serie A and Supercoppa Italiana wins in 2004.
The 2010–11 season with Milan was one of Gattuso’s best seasons of his career and saw him end a three-year goal drought with a left-footed strike from outside the box, which proved to be the decisive goal in a 1–0 victory over Juventus on March 5 2011. Gattuso later celebrated another goal in a 4–1 win against Cagliari with a long-distance header that beat the goalkeeper, who was off his line. Gattuso celebrated Milan’s 18th Scudetto victory after a scoreless draw against Roma on May 7.
