Gennaro Gattuso “is the right man for Milan and can be the new Antonio Conte,” said former teammate Federico Giunti.
Rino was given the main job after Vincenzo Montella’s dismissal, bumped up from the Primavera youth team, and has ever since been trying to prove he is more than just a motivator.
He did just that in Friday’s 2-1 victory over Roma, out-smarting Eusebio Di Francesco on a tactical level.
Gennaro Gattuso “is the right man for Milan and can be the new Antonio Conte,” said former teammate Federico Giunti.
Rino was given the main job after Vincenzo Montella’s dismissal, bumped up from the Primavera youth team, and has ever since been trying to prove he is more than just a motivator.
He did just that in Friday’s 2-1 victory over Roma, out-smarting Eusebio Di Francesco on a tactical level.
“To think people were talking about a funeral for Gattuso before that game. Rino is the right man for this Milan,” Giunti told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“He is always doubted because he arrived after figures like Clarence Seedorf, Pippo Inzaghi and Cristian Brocchi, former players like him without much management experience, and Milan haven’t won anything in a while.
“People believe they need a famous Coach to turn the tide, such as Conte, but Rino can be the new Conte. He needs to be given confidence and allowed to work without too much pressure.
“I am sure that (new directors) Leonardo and Paolo Maldini will act as a shield during difficult moments. His tenacity was always his greatest strength, even as a player, but he was formidable when replacing Vincenzo Montella and getting inside his players’ heads.
“I like his Milan and he is trying to follow the footsteps of previous Milan Coaches by playing beautiful football. Today’s Milan is attacking, positive and always tries to play the ball out from the back.
“Then there’s Gonzalo Higuain, a top class striker, ideal for the 4-3-3 because he combines with the midfielders and wingers.”
Last season, the Rossoneri finished in sixth place and secured a spot in the Europa League.
“It’s a more competitive squad than a year ago, so I think they’ll fight for fourth,” added Giunti.
“To be honest, I never thought Rino would become a Coach, but he is so smart and capable, he made the most of his strengths. After all, if he played in the midfield with Andrea Pirlo, Seedorf and Kaka, he had more than just heart and grit.”