Locatelli: Gattuso asks us to keep pressing forward, if he doesn t run actively, he will get angry

Italy will play against Estonia and Israel in the World and European Preliminaries on September International Game Day. Locatelli talked about many topics such as the new coach Gattuso in the pre-match press conference.

What does Gattuso particularly emphasize?

"Time is tight, the key is to win and get results. He requires us to have a strong sense of belonging, which is exactly what is needed to hit the competition."

What changes have been made in training?

"We have only been in the training camp for two days. The head coach has raised the intensity very high and requires us to keep pressing forward. This is the most obvious difference from before. If we don't try our best and don't run actively, Gattuso will get angry."

What is the atmosphere of this Italian team?

"Some old teammates have known me for a long time. Every time I reunite, I am very happy. Many people have been playing football together from the youth team. There are also many young people who are eager to learn and dare to challenge. They don't bully newcomers, they only want to improve. We are a great team, and we need to deepen our understanding with new teammates, but the atmosphere is really good."

Bonucci also joined the coaching team

"It feels strange to see him in the coaching team. He is a special person to me. He came to my wedding and is a captain who sets an example. I usually call him 'Leo', and it is difficult to change his words 'coach', but he also hopes that I call him that. I hope he can integrate into the team as soon as possible, and he never can't leave the court."

has the best relationship with teammates of the national team?

"Barera and Bastoni, and Vicario, we have a good relationship. We also had a meal with Cambiaso and Di Lorenzo. We are a great group."

The goal of this Italian team?

"We come day by day, and the goal is to score in the World Cup."

Who was your idol when you were a child?

"Del Piero, Totti, Pirlo... I also admire Cross, and I really admire him."

Among the players who play your position now, who do you pay the most attention to?

"I like De Jong very much, and Casemiro is also very good at that position."

Do you feel a sense of belonging in the national team?

"Of course there is, and there must be. We shoulder a huge responsibility for all Italians and must have a strong sense of self-esteem. It is almost an obligation to have this sense of belonging, otherwise don't come."

Gattuso said that we can't be too impatient, do you agree?

"Agree. Impressiveness only brings tension. We must remain calm and recognize the status quo. Impressiveness cannot achieve results, we must be calm and balanced."