Conte Puts Inter On Alert Ahead Of Meeting With ‘Underestimated’ Gattuso

Gattuso was a surprise replacement for Carlo Ancelotti after Napoli opted to part ways with the current Everton manager in December.

Gattuso was previously at the helm of AC Milan but left at the end of last season after the Rossonerri failed to qualify for the UEFA Champions League.

The 41-year-old FIFA World Cup winner has also had spells in charge of Palermo, Pisa and Greek side OFI Crete since retiring as a footballer in 2013.

Conte’s Inter Milan will come up against Napoli in the Italian Serie A on Monday, and ahead of the game the former Juventus boss has lavished praise on Gattuso, who he feels has been underestimated in his career in the dugout.

"I see he has the same passion as me," Conte told reporters. "He has lots of desire to do well and, like me, he started in the lower leagues.

"I have lots of respect for him. He also coached abroad and had challenges. Not everyone is willing to do that or coach in the lower leagues. Other coaches might have it easier.

"Everything Gattuso has earned is down to his effort. With Milan, people underestimate how well he did as coach. Last season he did a very good job there. He deserves to be in charge of Napoli.

"We are in for a hard game in Naples. They have a lot of quality. Gattuso has come in for Ancelotti and will be very motivated. He is able to get the best out of his teams."

Gattuso has won one and lost one of his two games at the helm of Napoli while leaders Inter Milan are unbeaten in their last 10 league games.