Gennaro Gattuso was officially announced as the new head coach of the Italian national team on Sunday, stepping into the role vacated by Luciano Spalletti following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Norway.
The 47-year-old World Cup winner is now charged with the formidable task of leading the Azzurri back to the global stage at the 2026 World Cup.
Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for Italy and was a key part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, brings both experience and national pride to the role. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed he will be unveiled to the press on Thursday.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.
“The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be essential.”
Italy, four-time World Cup champions, have failed to qualify for the last two editions of the tournament — a painful stretch that has rocked the country’s footballing pride. Gattuso is now tasked with reversing that trend, starting with critical qualifiers against Estonia and Israel in September.
Gattuso most recently coached Hajduk Split in Croatia, guiding them to the UEFA Conference League. His coaching resume includes stints with AC Milan, Napoli — where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020 — Valencia, and Marseille.
However, his coaching career has been marked by short tenures and instability, including a rescinded deal with Fiorentina in 2021 just two weeks after it was announced.
Italian media report that Gattuso’s backroom staff will include former national team stalwarts Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci, while former Italy coach Cesare Prandelli is set to oversee the national youth teams.
The FIGC reportedly approached Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli for the role before settling on Gattuso, who has now accepted what Gravina described as a “total dedication” to the challenge ahead.
What you should know
Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment marks a pivotal moment for Italy’s national team after years of World Cup heartbreak. A fiery former player known for his passion and grit, Gattuso’s success as a coach now hinges on his ability to translate that same tenacity into a consistent and unified squad capable of restoring Italy’s glory on the world stage.
