Gennaro Gattuso is reportedly keen to take over the reins at Lazio amid growing uncertainty surrounding his Napoli future. According to renowned journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, the Italian tactician is hopeful of taking charge of the Biancocelesti despite Fiorentina’s interest in securing his services.
Gattuso has been nothing short of outstanding since replacing Carlo Ancelotti in the dugout at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona. Despite facing the challenging task of filling Ancelotti’s shoes, it’s safe to say the former Milan midfielder has exceeded expectations.
Gattuso has brought Napoli on the threshold of the Champions League finish as the Partenopei head into the final match-day of the season in fourth. Sitting a point clear of fifth-placed Juventus, they are in complete control of their fate as Hellas Verona arrive in Naples in the season finale.
Under the 43-year-old’s stewardship, Napoli have clocked up 85 goals in Serie A this season, a tally only beaten by Atalanta (90). Across other Europe’s top-five divisions, only record-extending Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich (94) have netted more league goals than Gattuso’s side.
A firm believer in the collective ahead of the individual, the ex-Milan head coach has instilled a strong work ethic and his “pit-bull” mentality at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
Although he lacked technical skills as a player, Gattuso had always made up for that deficit with his commitment and endless work rate. That’s precisely what he has implemented so successfully as a coach.
Following his galvanizing effect on Napoli, the Italian has emerged as a potential candidate to take over a couple of Premier League clubs, including Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers. While Steve Bruce managed to salvage the Magpies’ underwhelming season down the final stretch, Nuno Espirito Santo has thoroughly disappointed this term.
However, there’s a genuine feeling that Gattuso’s future lies in Serie A.
Fiorentina are in the market for a new head coach even though Giuseppe Iachini managed to keep La Viola in the top flight in his second tenure this season. The Tuscan outfit have identified “Rino” as the 57-year-old’s long-term successor at Artemio Franchi.
Unfortunately for Fiorentina, Gattuso seems to have other plans. He would like to succeed Simone Inzaghi at Lazio, as the latter’s five-year stint in the capital edges to a close.
The 45-year-old arrived at the helm following the sacking of Stefano Pioli in 2016. He has since helped the Biancocelesti establish themselves as a permanent top-seven fixture in Serie A.
But president Claudio Lotito considers severing ties with Inzaghi, particularly in light of Lazio’s failure to qualify for next season’s Champions League group stage. Gattuso is inclined to believe he is a perfect fit for a possible vacancy in Rome, as said by Di Marzio.
“Fiorentina is strong on Gattuso; he is their first choice, every day, they call him and press to get the coach’s yes. Rino, however, awaits Lazio. More than a few signals have arrived from Lotito that he would like him on the Biancocelesti bench. Gattuso is waiting for Lazio which is his first choice for the future,” the Italian journalist told Sky Sports as relayed by Lazio News.