RINO GATTUSO would be delighted to one day return to Rangers.
That’s the verdict of close pal and Napoli No2 Luigi Riccio.
Gattuso with Coppa Italia as Napoli dumped Juventus on spot kicksCredit: EPA
The duo upset the odds in Italy with a penalty shoot-out Coppa Italia win over Juventus during the week.
It gave ex-Light Blues star Gattuso a first major trophy as a manager at his sixth club.
The 42-year-old has already held posts at Sion, Palermo, OFI Crete, Pisa, Milan and now Napoli.
And former Ibrox team-mate Riccio reckons his good pal is an ideal fit for the English Premier League.
But won’t rule out making more memories in Glasgow with Rangers.
He told the Sunday Post: “Winning the Italian Cup was really important for us.
A young Rino Gattuso during his Rangers daysCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“It is a prestigious trophy and was a boost for everyone in the group’s confidence, and awareness of our own abilities to succeed in the game.
“Rino is at the forefront. He is an excellent coach. He has charisma, attention to detail and a lot of determination.
“When we talk about him, we always say that he has a strong and gritty character. But behind that he is a real student of the game.
“He thinks a lot about tactics and motivation. He is a coach with the ability to get inside the mind of his players – that is one of his biggest strengths.
“At the moment we are 100 per cent focused on this experience at Napoli, but we don’t know what will happen in the future.
“We are professionals, we evaluate the job, and the offers. We are always ready for new challenges.
Luigi Riccio joined Gattuso at RangersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
“In my opinion, Rino would be a perfect fit for the English Premier League.
“And, of course, I think I can say with certainty that Rino would be delighted if he could return to Rangers as a coach in the future.
“It is no secret the club is close to his heart.
“When Rino remembers his time at Ibrox and the games he played, the emotion is clear to see in his eyes.”
Gattuso joined Rangers under Walter Smith in 1997 but left just over a year later for a return to Italy with Salernitana.
From there he earned his move to AC Milan where he spent 13 years before moving to Sion in Switzerland.
Riccio joined Gattuso at Ibrox after the World Cup winner asked the Light Blues to sign his now assistant.
He added: “Myself and Rino are like brothers.
“When he got to Scotland, Rino asked the club to take me, too.
“They scouted me first to see if I could play then signed me.
“That was great for me because it was in Glasgow that our friendship really blossommed.
“We were always together and we had a great time. We both loved it in Scotland.
“And of course, the Rangers fans are fantastic – in the stadium and when you meet them in the streets, in restaurants or in the casino.
“Rino was very young at the time, but the supporters loved him. They made up songs about him, something that is always a positive sign.
“He loved that and still holds the memories dear.
“So, yes in the future there might be a chance to make more memories there for him.
“Right now we are happy for Napoli, and happy for football to be back again after what has been such a tough time for everyone
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
