Italy Appoint World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso as National Team Manager
Former AC Milan star replaces Spalletti after failed World Cup qualifying campaign
- Gennaro Gattuso has been named the new head coach of the Italian national football team
- That result effectively ended Italy’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
- Gattuso now takes charge of a national team still reeling from recent disappointments
Gennaro Gattuso has been named the new head coach of the Italian national football team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed on Saturday evening.
The 47-year-old former midfielder, best known for his fiery playing style and leadership on the pitch, succeeds Luciano Spalletti, who announced his departure following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier on 6 June. That result effectively ended Italy’s hopes of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for the Azzurri and played a key role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph, now returns to lead his country into the same tournament 20 years later.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina hailed the appointment, calling Gattuso “a symbol of Italian football.”
“The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be crucial as we prepare for the challenges ahead,” Gravina said.
Gattuso will be officially presented to the media on Thursday.
A Colorful Coaching Career
Following a decorated playing career with Rangers and AC Milan—where he won two Serie A titles and two Champions League trophies—Gattuso transitioned into management in 2013. Italy’s top job will be his 10th managerial role in just over a decade.
His most successful stint came with Pisa, where he achieved promotion to Serie B in 2016. However, the team struggled in the second tier, finishing bottom, and Gattuso stepped down after just one season.
He also had brief and turbulent spells with clubs including OFI Crete, Napoli, and Valencia. In 2021, he was appointed by Fiorentina, but parted ways with the club just two weeks before officially taking over due to disagreements over transfer strategy.
Gattuso now takes charge of a national team still reeling from recent disappointments, including missing the last two World Cups and failing to qualify for last summer’s European Championship—despite being crowned Euro 2020 champions.
His mission: to restore pride, stability, and qualification to a once-dominant footballing nation.
