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Football Insider

Gennaro Gattuso's Explains Why Zaniolo and Orsolini Were Not Called Up

Find out why Italy's head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, made different choices in not calling up Nicolò Zaniolo and Riccardo Orsolini. Learn about his team-building philosophy and the importance of loyalty and joy in his selections.

Gennaro Gattuso's Explains Why Zaniolo and Orsolini Were Not Called Up

Gennaro Gattuso, Italy’s head coach, explained at a press conference why he did not call up Nicolò Zaniolo and Riccardo Orsolini: “We didn’t go to the dinner with whiteboards and markers to talk about tactics. I tried to build a relationship with the players; for me, that makes all the difference. There were plenty of players who could have been here, from Zaniolo to Bernardeschi, from Orsolini to Fagioli, but I wanted to make different choices."He continues: "I wanted to build a team, a team that has shown me loyalty; we all deserve a bit of joy. Now I want to approach these matches with confidence and conviction. I’m aware that there are other players who have performed well, but my decisions are made in good faith. I have great faith in the players I’ve selected."Add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google to see more of our reporting

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Gennaro Gattuso's Approach to Squad Selection

During a recent press conference, Gennaro Gattuso shed light on his decision to exclude players like Nicolò Zaniolo and Riccardo Orsolini from the Italian squad. Instead of purely focusing on tactics, Gattuso emphasized the importance of building relationships with the players. He stated that loyalty and team cohesion were crucial factors in his decision-making process.

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Emphasis on Loyalty and Team Unity

Gattuso highlighted the significance of having a team that shows loyalty and unity. By prioritizing these values, he believes that the squad can achieve success and approach matches with confidence and conviction. While acknowledging the strong performances of other players, Gattuso stands by his selections and expresses faith in the chosen group.

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Looking Ahead with Confidence

As Italy's head coach, Gennaro Gattuso aims to lead his team with a sense of purpose and optimism. By fostering trust and teamwork, he hopes to create a cohesive unit that can deliver positive results on the pitch. While some may question his decisions, Gattuso's unwavering belief in his chosen players underscores his commitment to building a strong and resilient team.

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Stay Informed with GOAL.com

For more updates and insights on Gennaro Gattuso's coaching decisions and the world of football, make sure to add GOAL.com as a preferred source on Google. Stay informed with the latest news, analysis, and coverage of the sport you love.

Published on Mar 23, 2026