Why Milan chose Gattuso as their new coach

He may have lacked Andrea Pirlo's vision or technique, but Gennaro Gattuso is still considered one of the best Italian midfielders of the last 20 years, and won both the UEFA Champions League and the Scudetto twice during his 13-season spell with AC Milan.

Never been known to shirk a tackle, 'Ringhio' (translation: snarl) has taken on a new challenge at 39, after being promoted from leading the Rossoneri's youth academy to replace former Italy team-mate Vincenzo Montella as Milan head coach. "This team can do well," he said upon meeting the press for the first time in his new post today. So why is the former Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete and Pisa boss the right man for the job?

"The club have made a brave choice with 'Rino'. In some cases charisma and personality can have a big impact, and in this case his personality can help a lot."
Massimo Ambrosini, former Milan team-mate

"It's a natural choice. He has been with the club for 20 years and I think he knows how to motivate and improve performances."
Gianluigi Buffon, Juventus captain

"He used to give me advice on how I could position myself to avoid knocks. In more than one training session, he would kick me just to teach me how to defend myself. Gattuso helped me a great deal."

Why is he Milan's man?

Having spent 13 years with Rossoneri as a player, Gattuso knows what it takes to shine for this famous club and its demanding fans. He will bring passion and intensity to the role and fire his players up after a disappointing Serie A start. "He knows what his job is and has accepted it with humility," said Milan CEO Marco Fassone. "He knows he has Milan's first team in his hands, something very important

He says

"To win major trophies like the Champions League, you have to have champions in your team. At Milan, in my time, we could afford to have the likes of Alessandro Costacurta, Jaap Stam, Rivaldo, Rui Costa and Filippo Inzaghi sitting on the bench."

"My dad was a Milan fan and adored [graceful playmaker Gianni] Rivera. I think I was a disappointment to him because his son was totally different from Rivera. But personally, I've always liked a combative style."

Did you know?

Gattuso is married to Monica Romano, a Scottish woman of Italian descent, whom he met while playing for Rangers at an exhibition game in Toronto, Canada