Sports • Soccer

Gennaro Gattuso

Gennaro Gattuso is an Italian former professional footballer and football manager, best known as a defensive midfielder and for his long spell with AC Milan.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Gennaro Gattuso is an Italian former professional footballer and football manager. He is best known as a defensive midfielder and for his long spell with AC Milan. Gattuso won multiple major club trophies with Milan and was part of Italy’s 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.

Playing career

Gattuso began his senior career with Perugia before moving to Rangers, Salernitana and then AC Milan in 1999. He is most closely associated with Milan, where he spent much of his playing career and won the majority of his honours, including two UEFA Champions League titles, two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, two UEFA Super Cups, two Italian Super Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup. He later played for Sion before retiring.

International career

Gattuso represented Italy at the 2000 Summer Olympics, three FIFA World Cups, two UEFA European Championships and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup. He was part of Italy’s squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup, which is the highlight of his international career.

Coaching career

After retiring as a player, Gattuso worked as a coach in club football and later at international level. His coaching roles have included Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete, Pisa, Milan, Napoli and the Italy national team.

Honours and recognition

Gattuso’s honours include the UEFA Champions League, Serie A, the Coppa Italia, the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2006 World Cup. He is widely remembered as a combative, energetic midfielder associated with AC Milan and the Italy national team.

Key facts

Gattuso played mainly as a central defensive midfielder, though he could also play wide.
He began his senior career with Perugia before moving to Rangers, Salernitana and then AC Milan in 1999.
With AC Milan, he won two UEFA Champions League titles, two Serie A titles, the Coppa Italia, and the FIFA Club World Cup.
He represented Italy at multiple major tournaments and was part of the 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning squad.
After retiring, Gattuso became a coach for clubs and the Italy national team.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Gennaro Gattuso?

Gennaro Gattuso is an Italian former footballer and football manager, known primarily as a defensive midfielder and later as a coach.

Which club is Gattuso most associated with?

He is most associated with AC Milan, where he played from 1999 to 2012 and won most of his major honours.

What did Gattuso win with Italy?

He was part of Italy’s squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

What position did Gattuso play?

He mainly played as a central defensive midfielder, but he could also operate out wide.

Did Gattuso become a coach after retiring?

Yes. He later coached several clubs and also served as head coach of Italy.

References

Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennaro_Gattuso
Supports: Birth details, playing position, club career, and major honours.
UEFA — https://www.uefa.com/uefachampionsleague/news/025a-0e9f8c334b62-997044bfe749-1000--gennaro-gattuso/
Supports: Club career summary, honours with AC Milan, and coaching career.
Transfermarkt — https://www.transfermarkt.us/gennaro-gattuso/profil/spieler/5813
Supports: Date of birth, place of birth, nationality, position, and playing profile.
Wikipedia — https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gennaro_Gattuso
Supports: Player biography, World Cup win, and appointment as Italy head coach.
ESPN — https://www.espn.com/soccer/player/stats/_/id/11880/gennaro-gattuso
Supports: Player identification, birthdate, nationality, and position.
National Football Teams — https://www.national-football-teams.com/player/3383/Gennaro_Gattuso.html
Supports: International appearances and Italy career record.