Gattuso Bets Big on Inter Milan's Stars for Italy's New Era

When you think of rebuilding a national team under intense pressure, few managers bring as much passion—or unpredictability—as Gattuso. Since stepping up as Italy’s new head coach, Gattuso wasted no time shaking up the Azzurri, with something that every fan notices fast: he’s made Inter Milan’s Federico Dimarco, Nicolo Barella, and Alessandro Bastoni the foundation of his new-look squad.

People talk about club chemistry, but rarely do we see a coach latch onto a core trio from one team, basically saying, "You lot, I trust you to pull Italia back to the big stage." It’s gutsy, considering the trio’s dominant presence in Inter's back-to-back Serie A campaigns. Watching them on the pitch in blue, you can’t help but spot the old habits—quick, sharp passes from Dimarco, Barella’s never-ending engine, and Bastoni’s rock-solid composure at the back. Gattuso is banking on that core connection to light up a side that has struggled for consistency since their last international trophy.

The Inter Influence: Chemistry, Leadership, and a Splash of Grit

Dimarco’s left-sided surges, paired with Barella’s midfield hustle and Bastoni’s playmaking from defense, have become trademarks at San Siro. Now, that trio is the blueprint for the Azzurri’s refresh. It’s obvious why Gattuso, known for his gritty style both as a player and manager, admires these guys. Barella, for example, plays like every ball is the last of his life, never ducking a challenge or hiding in tough moments—a trait Italy’s midfield has missed since the days of De Rossi and Gattuso himself.

And these aren’t just squad fillers. In training sessions at Coverciano, Dimarco leads set-piece drills, Bastoni commands the young defenders, and Barella is always first to tackle and last to leave. Gattuso, in his typical frank style, calls them his "engine room"—a group he can build around while giving younger, less experienced players the security net of established leaders.

For Inter fans, sure, it’s exciting to see their heroes get the nod, but it’s also a test of their stamina. Club and country demands will stack up, especially if Italy’s fixtures pile on top of Inter's tight league and European campaigns. Still, Gattuso has been open about rotating the squad, knowing that burnout is a real threat, especially in tournament summers.

Elsewhere in the squad, eyes are on how this core pulls up teammates from other clubs—whether they can integrate Juventus’ young forward prospects or Milan’s emerging fullback talent swiftly, or if the squad risks feeling top-heavy with blue and black stripes. Either way, the message is clear: Gattuso wants a team that’s not afraid to get dirty and fight—just like he did in his playing days.