At a ceremony to launch the 2016 Coppa Italia Final, former Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was asked to give his verdict on the current situation.
 

He began by stating that; “We all know that Milan is struggling but we must not forget what Galliani and Berlusconi have done for the club. It must regain its identity and that must be transmitted to the players. The club has to take responsibility but so do the players”.
 

The Italian World Cup winner still has the club in his heart and he explained that; “The players have a responsibility when they take to the field but the club chose these players. For me it was an honour to wear the Milan shirt but perhaps when I first arrived I didn’t have the right calibre but my team-mates made sure I understood what was expected. The current squad has no sense of belonging to the club”.  

He was then asked how he would resolve the problem to which he replied; “I’m not sure. Winning the Coppa Italia would be a start as it always helps when you win trophies. The first people who should be helping the team are Galliani and Berlusconi. I have my own view that if the two Milan clubs return to the top of Italian football it will make a difference in Europe”.
 

Jumping to the defence of Italian tactics, Gattuso pointed out that; “Look at Mourinho and Simeone, when they play defensively in other leagues its organisation, when we do it in Italy its catenaccio. In our football schools it’s not encouraged to play out from the goalkeeper anymore, there are new tactics now. But look at our record, we’ve won four world titles it’s no accident. Today we see coaches come out of Coverciano who are doing great things.  

Finally, some advice to his friend Francesco Totti, Gattuso once more; “I would advise him to play for another year so he can take home more money (he laughed). He is a leader who has played for many years but then Spalletti and Pallotta make the decisions”.


Steve Mitchell @barafundler