Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed head coach of the Italian national team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Sunday. The former midfielder, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, replaces Luciano Spalletti and is charged with guiding the Azzurri to qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Gattuso, 47, earned 73 caps for Italy during his playing career and enjoyed a decorated club stint with AC Milan, where he made 468 appearances. He will be officially unveiled at a press conference on Thursday.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. “The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be essential. He knows the weight of the responsibility and has embraced this challenge with total commitment.”
Italy, four-time world champions, have failed to qualify for the last two World Cups. Their latest campaign began with a disappointing 3–0 defeat to Norway last week, which ultimately led to Spalletti’s dismissal. Although Italy bounced back with a win over Moldova on Monday, the decision had already been made.
Gattuso’s most recent managerial role was with Croatian club Hajduk Split, where he helped the team secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Conference League. His previous coaching stints include AC Milan, Napoli—where he won the 2019/20 Coppa Italia—Valencia, and Marseille. His coaching record has been mixed, with brief and turbulent spells in Spain and France, and a short-lived deal with Fiorentina that was terminated before it began in 2021.
Italy will resume their World Cup qualifying campaign in September with matches against Estonia and Israel in Group I.
According to Italian media, former Azzurri defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are set to join Gattuso’s backroom staff, while former national team coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to oversee Italy’s youth setup.
The FIGC reportedly approached Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli for the position before settling on Gattuso.
AFP
