Family man Gattuso against gay marriage

Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is known for fiercely defending his turf when on a football ground. And the 30-year-old did just that when it came to supporting the institution of marriage and family.

Given that Gattuso will be watching the team’s quarterfinal game against Spain on Sunday from the stands due to a double booking, he has been allowing himself to think about things other than Euro 2008 and took time out to express his disagreement with homosexual marriage.

“In church marriage should be between a man and a woman, even if this is 2008 and everyone can do as they please,” said the former Rangers midfielder, who is married to a Scotswoman.

“I’m someone who has believed in the institution of family since I was a small child and for someone who believes in their religion this (same-sex marriage) is very strange.”

On the football front, Gattuso also sprang to the defence of under-fire coach Roberto Donadoni on Friday as the team prepares for their Euro 2008 quarter-final against Spain on Sunday.

Gattuso will be suspended from that match along with AC Milan team-mate Andrea Pirlo, making Donadoni’s selection process even more difficult than it already is following the loss to injury of centre-backs Fabio Cannavaro and Andrea Barzagli.

But the 30-year-old believes his coach has a thankless task in trying to bring success to the world champions.

“In football it’s something that everyone knows, there’s no recognition, you always have to start again from the beginning,” he said.

“Even (Marcello) Lippi, who won everything, had some tough times. It’s normal that it happens also to Donadoni, who’s a first class coach.