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Gattuso on 2006 World Cup, burned by Italy, genius at Lazio and serious illness

Gennaro Gattuso reveals he almost missed the 2006 World Cup, was ‘burned’ by his brief…

Published: Sunday, 4 October 2026 at 2:41 PM
Gattuso on 2006 World Cup, burned by Italy, genius at Lazio and serious illness
Key Things to Know
  • Gennaro Gattuso discussed his career milestones, national team tenure, Lazio presidency, and chronic illness at the Festival dello Sport.
  • Gattuso revealed he worked 13 to 14 hours daily to recover from a muscle tear before the 2006 World Cup.
  • The manager admitted his exit as Italy coach burned him after losing a World Cup play-off to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Lazio head coach Gennaro Gattuso spoke candidly about his career during the Festival dello Sport event in Trento. Gattuso detailed his playing and coaching journey, discussing his recovery to make Italy's 2006 World Cup squad, the emotional toll of his brief spell managing the national team, and his current relationship with Lazio president Claudio Lotito, whom he described as a genius.

Gattuso also reflected on managing modern players, his friendship with Roma coach Gian Piero Gasperini, and his ongoing battle with an autoimmune condition. He revealed he has taken cortisone daily for 15 years to manage the debilitating illness that contributed to ending his playing career.

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