Italian · Corigliano Calabro, Italy · Born 9 January 1978The ultimate midfield warrior — a ferociously competitive battler who protected AC Milan's defence with unmatched tenacity and heart.
Gennaro Ivan Gattuso was born on 9 January 1978 in Corigliano Calabro, a small town in the Calabria region of southern Italy, to Francesco and Costanza Gattuso. His father had played football at a semi-professional level, instilling in Gennaro an early passion for the game, which he first practised on the beaches near his hometown amid the limited facilities and economic hardship typical of 1980s Calabria. Gattuso joined Perugia's youth academy in 1990 and made his Serie A debut for the club in 1996, but it was a move to Scotland's Rangers in 1997 that helped forge the relentless, combative playing style that would define his career — an 18-month spell in the physically demanding Scottish game toughened him considerably. After a season with Salernitana, he joined AC Milan in 1999, beginning a 13-year association that would define his legacy. At Milan, Gattuso became renowned as one of the finest defensive midfielders of his generation, forming a legendary midfield partnership with the more creative Andrea Pirlo — Gattuso's tireless ball-winning and combative energy allowing Pirlo the freedom to dictate play. Nicknamed "Ringhio" (Snarl) for his fierce competitive intensity, he made 468 appearances for Milan, winning two UEFA Champions League titles, in 2003 and 2007, alongside two Serie A titles and a Coppa Italia. Internationally, Gattuso was a key member of Italy's victorious 2006 World Cup squad, adding a World Cup winner's medal to his club honours. After retiring as a player in 2013, he moved into management, taking charge of Sion, Palermo, Pisa, and eventually his beloved AC Milan, before spells at Napoli — where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020 — Fiorentina, Valencia, Marseille, and Hajduk Split. In 2025, Gattuso was appointed head coach of the Italy national team, bringing his career full circle with the country he once helped win the World Cup.
Captaining AC Milan and Italy's World Cup-winning team
His passionate celebration after winning the 2006 World Cup final, headbutting coach Gianluca Lippi's chest and crying with joy, became one of football's most iconic images.
Did You Know?How They Played
Aggressive ball-winner, exceptional work rate, strong leadership qualities
Lasting Impact
One of the greatest defensive midfielders, symbol of Milan's golden era
Career Honours
- Champions League 2x
- Serie A 2x
- World Cup 2006
- Club World Cup 2007
- Champions League 2003
- Champions League 2007
- Serie A 2004
- Serie A 2011
- European Championship 2000
| Club | Period | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perugia | 1995–1997 | 10 | 0 |
| Rangers | 1997–1998 | 34 | 3 |
| Salernitana | 1998–1999 | 25 | 0 |
| AC Milan | 1999–2012 | 335 | 9 |
| Sion | 2012–2013 | 27 | 1 |
 Italy | — | 73 | — |
Italian Athletes