Gattuso warning : ‘Kean must give something more’ as new Italy faces explained

BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – SEPTEMBER 09: Moise Kean of Italy celebrates after scoring the second goal during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match between Israel and Italy at Bozsik Arena on September 09, 2024 in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Claudio Villa/Getty Images)

Gennaro Gattuso warns Moise Kean ‘needs to give something more’ to Italy and Fiorentina, while he explains the unexpected Leonardo Spinazzola and Nicolò Cambiaghi calls.

The Azzurri are back on the pitch this Saturday in Tallin against Estonia, then host Israel next Tuesday evening in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.

You can read everything that Gattuso said in his press conference here.

Kean struggling so far this season

While Mateo Retegui and Kean couldn’t stop scoring last season, the Viola man is stuttering a little at club level this term with one goal and two assists in seven games.

“Kean scored double figures last season. I told him that in this moment, he needs to give something more, because he is an important player,” said Gattuso.

“He mustn’t seek alibis, but instead be ready and a reference point for his teammates.”

The Italy attack is bound to see some changes for these games, because Napoli star Matteo Politano and Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni were both forced to withdraw from the squad.

Somewhat surprisingly, Gattuso called in Napoli left-back Spinazzola and Fiorentina centre-forward Roberto Piccoli as their replacements.

“It’s disappointing to lose these players, but we brought in others who can give us a hand. The choices were made based on two games that we will face in different ways,” added the coach.

“Spinazzola has his role, then naturally he can also push a bit further up, because he has pace and quality. He has been unlucky, lacking consistency, but is now finding that again.

“I have to thank Spinazzola, because I called him after the Politano injury and he was immediately available. It’s not easy to be like that at age 32, I too have been through that phase as a player. He came with eagerness and passion, so I appreciated that a great deal.”

Giacomo Raspadori is another alternative for the left flank now that he has been playing in that position for Atletico Madrid.

“I put him there against Estonia in Bergamo, so yes, it can be a solution.”

Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna and Fiorentina midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia were also some new faces for the Nazionale under Gattuso’s tenure.

“Cambiaghi has similarities with Politano. He was unlucky last season and tore his anterior cruciate ligament, but he does well both attacking and defending,” added the CT.

“Nicolussi can be a deep-lying playmaker if he wants, as he brings balance and quality, so has the right characteristics for the role.”