Former AC Milan and Napoli manager Gennaro Gattuso could be one of the leading candidates if Steve Bruce loses his job at Newcastle United, as reported by Calciomercato.
Then again, sacking Bruce and replacing him with one of the most promising coaches in European football would require ambition – something Newcastle have failed to show much of during a decade of disillusion.
During his two years in the St James’ Park dugout, Bruce has largely achieved what Mike Ashley wanted him to achieve.
He has kept heads above water, with Newcastle twice avoiding relegation under the former Sunderland boss.
But after a winless start to this season – and with fury growing among the Toon Army – a defeat to fellow strugglers Wolverhampton Wanderers next time out could see a precarious position become untenable.
There are no suggestions Bruce is hanging by a thread but should Ashley pull the trigger, Newcastle won’t have to look too far for a potential replacement.
Would Gattuso be a popular pick to replace Steve Bruce at Newcastle?
Gattuso, a former Italy international with World Cup and Champions League winners’ medals on his CV, has been linked with the Magpies job since 2019, when Bruce was eventually appointed Rafa Benitez’s successor – a decision that was as unpopular back then as it is now (CM).
In May, Calciomercato reported Gattuso was in contention for the Newcastle job again, before Ashley decided to stick rather than twist.
Almost five months on, the 43-year-old is without a club, a move to Tottenham falling through following a furious reaction from Spurs supporters.
Gattuso’s spell in the Fiorentina dugout, meanwhile, lasted just 23 days, behind-the-scenes issues leading to his sudden departure from the Serie A outfit in June.
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