Gennaro Gattuso

Gennaro Ivan Gattuso (born 9 January 1978, in Corigliano Calabro, Italy) is an Italian footballer, who plays for Serie A club Milan. He mainly plays as a defensive midfielder. Gattuso is a hard tackling player and in his prime was widely regarded as one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. During his career at Milan, he has won the Champions League, in 2002–03 and 2006–07, and also the Serie A title in 2003–04 and 2010-11. He also had a key role in Italy's World Cup victory in 2006.

Early career

Gattuso started his career with Italian Perugia, but transferred in July 1997, at the age of 19, to the Scottish team Rangers.

Walter Smith, who brought Gattuso to Glasgow, left the club in 1998. Smith's successor, Dick Advocaat, did not favour Gattuso and, after being played out-of-position as a right-back, the Italian was sold in October 1998 to then recently promoted Serie A club Salernitana for £4 million. Despite his good performances, it was not enough to prevent the relegation of his side.

Ac Milan

Gattuso was bought by AC Milan for €8 Million. His style allowed Milan manager Carlo Ancelotti to place midfielder Andrea Pirlo in a more attacking position. Gattuso plays deeper in midfield. He will often move forward to win the ball for the forward players and then return to his defensive position. His style of play is characterised by fierce tackling and hard work — a style which has earned him the nickname of Ringhio (Growl). He signed a contract extension in June 2003 and in October 2004.

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The 2010-11 Serie A season with Milan was one of Gattuso's best season of his career, ending a three year goal drought, with his left footed strike outside the box bieng the only goal against Juventus F.C. on March 5, 2011. Gattuso later celebrated another goal in a 4-1 victory v.s. Cagliari Calcio with a long distance header with the goalkeeper off his line. Gattuso celebrated AC Milan's 18th Scudetto victory after a scoreless draw against A.S. Roma.

Gattuso has been capped seventy three times for his country and played in the 2000 Summer Olympics, the 2002 World Cup, Euro 2004, the 2006 World Cup, Euro 2008, the 2009 Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.