Gennaro Gattuso is officially the new head coach of the Italian national football team. The fiery former AC Milan and Napoli boss takes over from Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed last week following Italy’s shocking 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Gattuso’s appointment was confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Sunday, with the 2006 World Cup-winning midfielder set to be unveiled on Thursday at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome.
The decision marks a dramatic shift for the Azzurri, who now look to one of the nation’s most passionate and aggressive footballing personalities to guide them back to the top after missing the last two World Cup tournaments.
“The blue jersey is a second skin”
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina didn’t hold back in praising the new manager, calling Gattuso “a symbol of Italian football.”
“The blue jersey is like a second skin for him,” Gravina said. “His motivation, professionalism and experience will be key in facing the upcoming challenges. Gattuso has embraced this opportunity with total dedication and is aligned with our vision for the growth of Italian football.”
Gattuso, 47, will lead Italy through the rest of their World Cup qualification campaign, with the goal of returning to the global stage after painful absences in 2018 and 2022. His contract is set to run until the end of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gennaro Gattuso is the new First Team Head Coach
Welcome back, Rino #Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/H6oQZWJcca— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 15, 2025
Spalletti’s short reign ends in controversy
Luciano Spalletti’s time in charge of Italy lasted just under two years. While he guided the team to some solid results early on, things unraveled quickly after their dismal 3-0 defeat by Norway. The Azzurri bounced back with a 2-0 win over Moldova, but it was too late—Spalletti announced post-match that he had already been sacked.
The former Napoli and Roma boss was under immense pressure, and with Italy sitting third in Group I, the federation felt it needed new leadership to avoid another qualification disaster.
Gattuso’s challenge: ignite a revival
Gattuso arrives at a time when Italy needs more than tactical tweaks—they need belief. Known for his raw intensity and emotional connection to the game, Gattuso brings a different kind of energy to the job.
His previous managerial stints include time at AC Milan, Napoli (where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020), Valencia, and Marseille. He most recently left Croatian side Hajduk Split by mutual consent, after finishing third in the league.
Now, he’s back on the main stage, handed the task of turning around a team that has looked lost at times over the past two years.
A familiar face with unfinished business
As a player, Gattuso made 73 appearances for Italy and was a key figure in the squad that lifted the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He was famous for his relentless work rate, crunching tackles, and never-say-die spirit. Those same traits have defined his managerial style—intense, demanding, and uncompromising.
Gattuso’s appointment is also a nod to nostalgia for the golden era of Italian football, something that could spark renewed national pride and unity behind the team.
He’s expected to bring a no-nonsense attitude to a squad that has struggled with consistency and mentality since lifting the European Championship in 2021.
Buffon backed him, Ranieri passed
Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon had hinted at Gattuso’s appointment during a press engagement on Saturday, expressing support for his former teammate.
FIGC’s initial top choice was veteran tactician Claudio Ranieri, but the 73-year-old turned down the offer, opting instead to remain as senior advisor at AS Roma.
That cleared the path for Gattuso, who quickly accepted the role and is already said to be planning his first call-ups ahead of Italy’s next fixtures.
Upcoming fixtures and pressure moments
Gattuso’s first matches in charge will be crucial. Italy face Estonia in Bergamo on September 5, followed by a tricky away trip to face Israel in Hungary three days later. With Italy currently sitting third in their group, anything less than maximum points could spell trouble.
The team is filled with talent—Federico Chiesa, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Sandro Tonali—but has often lacked cohesion and identity. Gattuso will need to fix that quickly, balancing his trademark aggression with the kind of tactical discipline needed at the highest level.
A bold move with high stakes
Gattuso’s coaching career has had its ups and downs. From a shaky start as player-manager at Swiss club Sion, to respectable runs at Milan and Napoli, his managerial journey has taken him across Europe. Now, the ultimate test awaits.
If he succeeds, he’ll go down as the man who brought Italy back to the World Cup after a decade of heartbreak. If he fails, the pressure and criticism will be unforgiving.
But if there’s one thing Gattuso has never done—it’s back down from a fight.
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