Gennaro Gattuso player profile

Gennaro Gattuso is one of the more experienced players in the Italian World Cup squad having collected 40 caps since his debut against Sweden in February 2000 and is sure to be a vital member of the team in Germany.

"He is now playing fantastic for Milan and is now first pick for one of the best international teams in the world."
Barry Ferguson.

Nicknamed 'Rino' for his tough tackling and his fiery temper on the pitch, Gattuso is almost an automatic selection for coach Marcello Lippi in order to add some steel to the Italian midfield.

'Rino' started out at Italian side Perugia in 1994, where he only made a handful of first team starts, and in 1997 Walter Smith took the young Gattuso, then only 19, to Rangers where he became an instant hit with the fans due to his passion and commitment on the field of play.

When Dick Advocaat took over from Smith as Rangers manager, Gattuso's days at Ibrox were numbered. He was played out of position at right back and was soon on his was back to Italy with Salernitana for £3 million.

It was only 10 months into his Salernitana contract that Gattuso got the big move his talents deserved as Milan paid £8 million for his services, and since that move he has never looked back.

Milan dominated the Italian Serie A in 2003/2004 as they romped to the illustrious scudetto. They also clinched the biggest prize in club football - the UEFA Champions League - after a penalty shoot-out win against fellow Italian giants Juventus. It was clear that Gattuso had made a huge impact since his arrival.

It is clear that if Italy are to do well in this World Cup then it is players like Gattuso who are going to have to play to their full potential and perform on a consistent basis.