Italy coach Gattuso hints Bartesaghi, Palestra & Zaniolo could make Azzurri selection

Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso believes tonight’s Supercoppa Italiana semi-final between Milan and Napoli is finely balanced, while also using the occasion to reflect on the state of Italian football and potential new options for the national team.

Speaking to Sport Mediaset from Riyadh shortly before kick-off, with quotes via TMW, Gattuso, a former player for both clubs, underlined the tactical organisation on display.

“The match is open. Both teams are well organised and the two coaches make the difference,” he said. “They both defend very well, so scoring goals will be difficult. It’s hard to understand who could win.”

The Italy coach confirmed he would be closely monitoring several players who could enter the Azzurri picture. Asked specifically about Davide Bartesaghi, Gattuso was open-minded.

“Why not? He’s doing very well, just like other young players, Palestra, Zaniolo,” he explained. “We’ll see what kind of performance he puts in, but their consistency is there for everyone to see.”

Gattuso was also asked about the limited Italian presence in Serie A line-ups, with Milan expected to field no Italian starters and Napoli three. He acknowledged the issue but urged perspective. “We know the situation,” he said. “But there are also players like Ricci and Gabbia, who I recently called up before his injury.”

He added that Italians currently make up around 23-24 per cent of Serie A squads, warning against dwelling on the problem. “There’s no point going on about it or crying over ourselves,” Gattuso insisted. “We have to look forward. There’s one objective for the whole football system and for the country – returning to the World Cup.”

With crucial months ahead, Gattuso was clear about priorities. “In three months we’re playing for a lot. All our energy has to go towards that goal.”