Italy have named former midfield enforcer and World Cup winner Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who stepped down last week following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in the World Cup qualifiers. The appointment was confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), with Gattuso set to be officially presented to the media on Thursday.
Gattuso Takes Charge Amid Crisis and High Expectations
The Italian national team finds itself in a moment of reckoning after years of underperformance on the global stage. Gattuso, 47, steps in at a time when the Azzurri are grappling with inconsistency and the burden of recent failures, including missing the last two FIFA World Cups and crashing out of qualification for Euro 2024 despite winning Euro 2020.
Luciano Spalletti, who led Napoli to a historic Serie A title in 2023, resigned last week after a humiliating 3-0 loss to Norway on 6 June. The result left Italy with a slim chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America, further compounding fan frustration. Spalletti himself confirmed his departure in a somber news conference, signaling a change was imminent.
A Hero Returns: FIGC Hails Gennaro Gattuso’s Passion and Pedigree
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina lauded Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment, describing him as a symbol of Italian football. “The blue jersey is like a second skin for him,” Gravina said. “His motivations, his professionalism, and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the national team.”
Gattuso, a gritty midfielder who embodied Italy’s defensive tenacity, won 73 caps for the national team and was part of the side that lifted the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany. He also played key roles during his club career, particularly with AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
His return to the Azzurri, now as head coach, marks a full-circle moment for a man known for his passion, commitment, and uncompromising style—traits Italy will sorely need as they attempt to rebuild.
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Gattuso Returns as Italy Coach Amid World Cup Crisis
Since retiring from professional football in 2013, Gennaro Gattuso has taken a turbulent route in management. The Italy job is his 10th coaching role in 12 years, reflecting both his ambition and the challenges he’s faced on the bench. His longest stint came with third-tier club Pisa, where he won promotion to Serie B in his first season but resigned the following year after a relegation.
Gennaro Gattuso’s coaching résumé includes time at OFI Crete, AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and a short-lived agreement with Fiorentina, which was terminated two weeks before it was set to begin. While his tenures have often been brief, he’s been credited with instilling discipline and grit in his squads—an echo of his playing days.
His most notable managerial success came at Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020. However, he was let go the following season after failing to secure Champions League qualification. Despite this, Gattuso remains a respected figure for his no-nonsense approach and tactical pragmatism.
Looking Ahead: Can Gennaro Gattuso Spark an Azzurri Revival?
Gennaro Gattuso’s immediate task will be to galvanize a squad that has lost its identity and belief. Italy’s failure to qualify for three of the last four major tournaments has sparked nationwide concern over the direction of the national team. With World Cup qualifiers resuming in September, he has little time to instill a new system and culture.
The 2026 World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will mark 20 years since Gattuso helped Italy win the tournament. The symmetry of that milestone adds a symbolic weight to his mission.
He will also have to manage a transitional squad, with many veterans from Euro 2020 nearing retirement and a new generation yet to prove their consistency at international level. Gattuso’s fiery leadership style may be exactly what’s needed to re-ignite Italy’s competitive spirit.
Presentation and Public Sentiment
Gattuso will be unveiled at a press conference on Thursday, where he’s expected to outline his vision for the team. His appointment has sparked mixed reactions—some fans welcome a familiar and passionate face at the helm, while others question his erratic managerial record and tactical acumen.
Nonetheless, the FIGC’s bold move signals a desire to return to Italy’s core footballing values: resilience, discipline, and heart. Whether Gattuso can deliver results where others have fallen short remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—the Azzurri will never lack intensity with him in charge.
As Italy looks to the future, the Gattuso era begins with both hope and high stakes.
