Zambrotta: Gattuso brings out the best in every player

Former full-back shares his thoughts on Italy’s triumph at the 2006 FIFA World Cup and current coach Gennaro Gattuso’s motivational qualities.

• Gianluca Zambrotta speaks exclusively with FIFA ahead of UEFA play-offs for FIFA World Cup 2026
• Legendary defender looks back on the Azzurri’s remarkable run to victory at Germany 2006
• Has high praise for former coach Marcello Lippi and his influence on modern Italian football

With his sensational opening goal in the quarter-finals against Ukraine, Gianluca Zambrotta etched his name into Italian football history as part of the nation’s unforgettable surge to glory at the 2006 FIFA World Cup Germany™.

A complete full-back by trade, the Como-born stalwart left an important legacy on the pitch alongside his team-mates from that era. Among them was current Italy tactician Gennaro Gattuso, preparing to take on the UEFA play-offs with the aim of guiding the Azzurri back to the FIFA World Cup™ after a 12-year exile.

One of the secrets behind the remarkable success enjoyed by the 2006 vintage was the close-knit nature of that group. Even now, the influence of that generation, led by the “marvellous man-manager” Marcello Lippi, could still prove pivotal.

---

FIFA: What is the first thing that springs to mind, 20 years on from 2006?

Gianluca Zambrotta: I’d say the extraordinary achievement of lifting that trophy, which I believe is the greatest accomplishment for any footballer. The journey was truly remarkable, beginning with the challenges faced by Serie A that season and culminating in a first-place finish on the world’s biggest stage. Winning the World Cup was an amazing adventure that I can’t accurately put into words – even 20 years on, it’s truly wonderful to look back on those moments.

Did scoring that goal against Ukraine cement your place among the world’s most famous footballers? Did anything change afterwards?

Needless to say, scoring a World Cup goal is special, but the tournament was a turning point for everyone: the 23 players, the coaching staff, the backroom staff and all the Italian fans. We stepped out of the shadow of Calciopoli – a turbulent time for Italian football – and rekindled the passion and joy for the game. It was a momentous occasion for all involved and a title that will be cherished forever.

Looking back at that squad, many of the players have gone on to become coaches. Was Marcello Lippi a source of inspiration for you?

Lippi was an incredibly important influence on us. First and foremost, he’s a fantastic human being. He’s a marvellous man-manager who understands his players and knows how to get the best out of them. He built a superb side in technical terms, yet the human factor came first: the squad was full of extraordinary men. He was our role model and commander on that beautiful journey.

Can you see any of Lippi’s qualities in today’s coaches, such as Gennaro Gattuso?

Without a doubt, especially when it comes to bringing out the best in every player. Gattuso is one of the top coaches around in that regard; he inspires his players to give their all, not only for their own sake, but also for him and their team-mates. So, yes, I do see the similarities between him and Lippi.

The role of the full-back has changed considerably. What do you make of that?

It has drastically changed. These days, full-backs – especially wing-backs – almost act as additional forwards. You often find them in the opposition box, looking for the back of the net. In the past, their defensive duties took precedence, whereas today they tend to focus more on creating goalscoring opportunities. Just look at Inter’s full-backs [Federico Dimarco and Denzel Dumfries] for instance, or those at other clubs. Defenders are becoming increasingly involved in the attacking phase of play. That’s part and parcel of the evolution of football, a sport that has changed considerably over the years.

Are there any world-class players in today’s Italy team that are as good as those from the 2006 squad?

That team set the bar very high. Even the Italy side that won EURO 2020 [held in 2021] had world-class individuals, such as Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Gianluigi Donnarumma and Federico Chiesa. Perhaps that’s a little less the case today, in part due to the lack of Italian players starting for top clubs. If I had to pick anybody, though, I’d say Donnarumma. He regularly plays in the Champions League for an elite team in Manchester City, and he’s always been a regular starter everywhere he’s been.