Gattuso grasping at straws: Italy boss urges Verratti to return to national team

According to Aristotle's doctrine, humans naturally seek fulfillment and happiness (eudaimonia) and are essentially driven by desires. To paraphrase the renowned ancient philosopher and make it simple - a man is a bundle of wants.

However, there's a man with only one wish. Not a bundle, not even a dozen. Just one. His name is Gennaro Gattuso, and his only desire is to qualify Italy for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The Azzurri missed the previous two tournaments, and the upcoming European qualifying play-off is a "matter of life or death" for them.

Hence, their boss, the former Italy international and the ex-AC Milan midfielder, doesn't hesitate to use any available means, grasping at straws.

Namely, according to the famous Italian journalist Nicolo Schira, Gattuso has contacted the Qatari Al-Duhail player Marco Verratti, seeking to recall him to the national team after a nearly three-year absence.

The former Paris Saint-Germain midfielder made his last appearance for the Azzurri in June 2023, but, according to Schira, is keen on making a comeback, as the talks with Gattuso have been positive.

Apart from the impact the 33-year-old could have on the pitch, his return could perhaps ignite the fire Italy desperately needs at a time when their football is in serious decline.

In the aforementioned UEFA play-off, the Azzurri have been drawn in Path A, where they'll face Northern Ireland in Bergamo in the semi-finals on March 26, and the winner of the Wales-Bosnia & Herzegovina clash in the eventual grand final five days later on the road.