Gattuso s last try: When Italian football stands on the edge of a cliff

It was raining lightly in the city of Milan, and Gattuso stood in front of the gate of the Covelciano training base and lit a cigarette. The smoke slowly rose in the humid air, as blurred as the future of Italian football. The 45-year-old tough guy may not have expected that he would become the last hope to save the Blues on such a gloomy day.

On the other end of the phone, the Italian Football Association Chairman Gravina's voice was exhausted: "Reno, we need you." Just three days ago, the Italian team suffered a 0-3 defeat in Oslo, and Spaletti was dismissed. This is once again the Blues' Legion stood on the edge of the cliff after missing the World Cup in 2018.

"I will go to Rome. " Gattuso cut off his cigarette butts and made a decision. This decision may ruin his last coaching reputation, but it may also make him a national hero—just like that summer in 2006.

On a flight to Rome, Gattuso watched the game video. On the screen, Norwegian players tear through Italy's defense again and again, while the players in the Blues looked confused. "They need a bullet." Gattuso said to the accompanying assistant coach, "It's not on the tactical board, it's here." He pointed to his heart.

The Italian Football Association headquarters is brightly lit. There were three files in front of Gravina: Gattuso, De Rossi, Cannavaro. Three 2006 World Cup champions have become possible fire-fighting coaches now.

"Drossi did a good job in Rome, but he had just taken office shortly after he took office. " Technical Director Buffon analyzed, "Canavaro's experience in China and West Asia... is not ideal. " The conference room fell silent, and everyone's eyes were turned to Gattuso.

"I can take over," Gattuso broke the silence," but there were two conditions: complete control, and the promise of the young man. "He was not loud, but everyone present sat upright.

This requirement points directly to the sore spots of Italian football. In recent years, Serie A clubs have become increasingly dependent on foreign players, and local new stars have difficulty getting opportunities. Last season in Serie A, the total playing time of U21 Italian players was less than 3%. In Germany and England, this number is above 15%.

"We need to give children like Skamaka and Kamada," Gattuso slapped the table and said, "Just as Lippi trusted us back then. "

The meeting lasted until late at night. As Gattuso walked out of the Football Association building, the night sky in Rome began to clear. His cell phone kept vibrating, some were blessed and some were questioned. The most dazzling thing is a text message: "Are you crazy? This will ruin your coaching career. "

Gatuso did not reply. He remembered what Lippi said in the locker room before the 2006 World Cup final: "Some people are born to navigate the storm." Now, the storm of Italian football has come and he has decided to be the one at the helm.

On the train back to Milan, Gattuso received a text message from Gravina: "Welcome home, coach." Outside the window, the Tuscan fields were shining with golden light in the setting sun. At this moment, he seemed to be back at the age of 17, when he first wore the Italian youth team jersey.

Italian football needs miracles, and Gattuso never believes in miracles. What he believed was sweat, blood and the young people who practiced late at night. Perhaps, that's why Gravina chose him.

Three days later, the Italian Football Association will hold a press conference. And on the training ground of Coverciano, Gattuso can already be seen. He was discussing the list of U21 players with the youth training supervisor, and he swears from time to time. In the distance, several young players looked around secretly, with awe and expectation in their eyes.

This is the Italian football now: scarred, but not yet give up hope. Just like Gattuso standing at the entrance of the training base on that rainy night, he still chose to move forward even though he knew the road ahead was difficult.