Former Italian National Team Manager Makes Bold Prediction For Gennaro Gattuso and Highlights Inter Star As Future Star For Azzurri

Former Italian national team manager, Luciano Spalletti, has given his thoughts on Gennaro Gattuso and picked out Pio Esposito as the future for the Azzurri.

What Did Luciano Spalletti Say About Gennaro Gattuso As Italy Manager?

Luciano Spalletti held the reins of the Italian national team between September 2023 and June 2025, managing 24 games across this two-year spell.

During his time as manager of the Azzurri, Spalletti failed to impress in the only major competition, Euro 2024, as Italy were eliminated by Switzerland in the Ro16.

After a run of poor performances and Nations League exit, Spalletti was relieved of his duties as Italy manager and was replaced by Azzurri soccer legend – Gennaro Gattuso.

Gian Piero Gasperini had been linked with the role, but decided to take the reins at Roma and Gasperini is now searching for more signings ahead of the upcoming Serie A season.

The Azzurri then decided to hire Gattuso and Spalletti have his thoughts on his own time as Italy manager, while also providing an interesting opinion on his successor.

Spalletti said: “The national team felt like I was in heaven. I gave it my all, but I was unable to give everything. I’m especially sorry to those who expected big results and development. I take responsibility having failed to do so.

“The federation was always close by me and gave me the opportunity to work in the best possible way, but unfortunately that’s not how it went.

“The players I chose, I would choose again. What they must know is that they’re great players. I watched them with all their qualities and I can say that I had a strong national team. Now I will watch Rino Gattuso’s selections with curiosity. I wish him the best of luck.

“Absolutely, he will make it. I’ve listened to him because he called me, and we exchanged a couple of jokes. We respect each other a lot, because he’s passionate and is someone who dedicates a lot of time to the work he does. I wish him luck.”

Will Pio Esposito Be Called Up To Italian Squad?

Gattuso has been very vocal about utilizing the youth for Italy’s upcoming fixtures and wants more to be done about young prospects getting a chance in Serie A.

Italy’s young talent has taken a slight hit in recent years, however, this appears to be coming to an end this year with a plethora of stars coming through the ranks.

One of these exciting prospects is currently making his way through the ranks at Inter, as Pio Esposito continues to catch the eye in the blue and black half of Milan.

After a strong FIFA Club World Cup campaign, the 20-year-old has become a popular member under Cristian Chivu and the Pio Esposito has been full of praise for the Romanian manager.

Spalletti, who was criticized for not using the young Italian stars, revealed that he watched Pio Esposito and believes the striker should give Italy a lot of hope for the future.

Spalletti said: “I did call some of them, like Leoni. I watched Pio Esposito play and he gave me hope for the future. My worry is that I didn’t bring anyone in from Serie B. Going back, I would have called someone from the Cadetteria.”