Gattuso: ‘Kean must give something more’ as new Italy faces explained

While Mateo Retegui and Kean couldn’t stop scoring last season, the Viola man is stuttering a little at club level this term with one goal and two assists in seven games.

“Kean scored double figures last season. I told him that in this moment, he needs to give something more, because he is an important player,” said Gattuso.

“He mustn’t seek alibis, but instead be ready and a reference point for his teammates.”

The Italy attack is bound to see some changes for these games, because Napoli star Matteo Politano and Lazio captain Mattia Zaccagni were both forced to withdraw from the squad.

Somewhat surprisingly, Gattuso called in Napoli left-back Spinazzola and Fiorentina centre-forward Roberto Piccoli as their replacements.

“It’s disappointing to lose these players, but we brought in others who can give us a hand. The choices were made based on two games that we will face in different ways,” added the coach.

“Spinazzola has his role, then naturally he can also push a bit further up, because he has pace and quality. He has been unlucky, lacking consistency, but is now finding that again.

“I have to thank Spinazzola, because I called him after the Politano injury and he was immediately available. It’s not easy to be like that at age 32, I too have been through that phase as a player. He came with eagerness and passion, so I appreciated that a great deal.”

Giacomo Raspadori is another alternative for the left flank now that he has been playing in that position for Atletico Madrid.

“I put him there against Estonia in Bergamo, so yes, it can be a solution.”

Nicolò Cambiaghi of Bologna and Fiorentina midfielder Hans Nicolussi Caviglia were also some new faces for the Nazionale under Gattuso’s tenure.

“Cambiaghi has similarities with Politano. He was unlucky last season and tore his anterior cruciate ligament, but he does well both attacking and defending,” added the CT.

“Nicolussi can be a deep-lying playmaker if he wants, as he brings balance and quality, so has the right characteristics for the role.”