Ambrosini: Gattuso has ‘no room for planning’ as Italy coach

Marseillle’s Italian head coach Gennaro Gattuso looks on ahead of the French L1 football match between Olympique de Marseille (OM) and AS Monaco at the Velodrome stadium in Marseille, on January 27, 2024. (Photo by Sylvain THOMAS / AFP) (Photo by SYLVAIN THOMAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Former Milan and Italy midfielder Massimo Ambrosini admits Gennaro Gattuso will have ‘no room for planning’ as Italy coach: ‘It’s more about optimising.’

Gattuso landed in Italy on Wednesday, June 18, before his official unveiling on June 19.

The new Italy coach has been tasked with qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.

The Azzurri’s path is already uphill following a 3-0 loss against Norway, their biggest rival in Group I.

Italy are now an underdog to get a straight qualification for the World Cup, according to NerdyTips, as La Nazionale must win their group or qualify from the playoffs if they finish as runners-up.

Ambrosini opens up about Gattuso coaching Italy

“Gattuso doesn’t have much room for planning; it’s more about optimising. Six watches to win, scoring as many goals as possible. His target is the World Cup,” Ambrosini told TMW.

Abrosini played with Gattuso at Milan. The pair was coached by Carlo Ancelotti, who has now been appointed as the Brazil coach.

“Carlo has landed one of the most coveted managerial jobs,” admitted Ambrosini.

“It won’t be an easy task, but even if Brazil have less talent than in their golden years, there’s still enormous potential. It will be a huge opportunity.”

Another ex-Ambrosini coach, Massimiliano Allegri, has returned to Milan.

Ambrosini on Allegri and Modric at Milan

“Max is a certainty. I know he’s really motivated. The foundations are there, but much will depend on the resources he’s given,” said the former midfielder.

Talking about the Rossoneri, Ambro also shared his view on the imminent signing of Luka Modric: “Great champions always make the difference; it depends on what they are required to do. He has already played a significant number of games this year,” he said.

Ambrosini spent most of his career at Milan, but also played for Fiorentina in his last season as a professional footballer. The Tuscans are on the verge of appointing Stefano Pioli as their new head coach, and Ambrosini feels it’s the right decision.

“It’s a wise choice; he’s always been highly appreciated at every club he’s been.

“Pioli is an appropriate choice for a club that should strive for higher ambitions. Florence is a city that deserves certain kinds of seasons. It won’t be easy, but some clubs have demonstrated that it’s possible to achieve something significant.”

Ambrosini won two Champions League titles with Milan and four Serie A titles, among other trophies.

He played 392 matches in Italy’s top flight, scoring 30 goals.

The 39-year-old retired in 2014 after collecting 30 appearances with Fiorentina, scoring one goal.

The former midfielder ended his career without goals in 35 appearances with the Italy national team.