Gattuso brings first Italy change after Spalletti

“The first thing I asked the President and Buffon was: Anyone coming to Coverciano must stay, even if they have a minor issue,” said Gattuso.

“We have everything in place to treat them. To be credible and avoid excuses. If a player is called up, he stays in Coverciano, just like when I played. If we can’t get them healthy, then they return to their club. What matters most is spending time together. Players usually sustain minor injuries when playing 50 or 60 games a year, but we can’t start setting dangerous precedents.”

Spalletti different approach

Spalletti employed an entirely different approach, sending back to the clubs those who arrived at Coverciano in poor shape.

One of the latest examples was this past March when Atalanta striker Mateo Retegui was forced to pull out of the team due to a muscle problem.

“We sent Retegui back home because he would not recover, but we hope he returns for the next Atalanta game,” Spalletti said.

“The exact problem is not well defined, but he has [muscle] fatigue, and, as we’ve always done, we decided to release him.”

Gattuso said he had spoken to Spalletti: “I have enormous respect for him,” the new Italy boss said.

“He’s a true football mind and innovates every year.”