Gennaro Gattuso Appointed as Italy's New National Football Team Coach
The former player takes over from Luciano Spalletti as Italy faces challenges in World Cup qualification.
Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the head coach of the Italian national football team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti, who left his position following a disappointing start to the World Cup 2026 qualifying campaign.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Gattuso's appointment on Sunday, marking a significant moment for a team that has struggled in recent matches.
Gattuso, a member of the Italian national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2006, is considered a symbol of Italian football, renowned for his tenacity and competitive spirit.
He will be tasked with steering the four-time world champions and two-time European champions toward qualification for their first World Cup since 2014.
As of now, Italy sits third in Group I of the World Cup qualifying rounds, having garnered just three points after two matches.
Their campaign began with a notable 3-0 defeat against Norway in Oslo, a result that ultimately cost Spalletti his job.
Spalletti had been at the helm since August 2023, taking over after the surprise departure of Roberto Mancini, who left for a position in Saudi Arabia.
Under Spalletti's management, the Italian team achieved only twelve victories in 24 matches, totaling a win percentage of 50%.
This performance marked one of the poorest records for the national team this century, second only to Cesare Prandelli's tenure from 2010 to 2014.
Gattuso, aged 47, previously had a successful playing career primarily at AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
His managerial career, however, has seen limited success, highlighted by a single trophy, the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, and often characterized by brief stints at several clubs, including AC Milan, Valencia, and Marseille.
The FIGC initially sought other candidates for the role, experiencing rejections from high-profile managers such as Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before settling on Gattuso.
He is scheduled to be officially introduced at a press conference in Rome on Thursday.
Gattuso's coaching history includes notable tenures at clubs such as AC Milan, Valencia, and Marseille, but his time as a manager has often been marked by controversies and challenges in player relations.
His experience as a player and his tactical knowledge will be critical as Italy aims to improve its standing in the qualification standings and re-establish itself as a formidable force in international football.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Gattuso's appointment on Sunday, marking a significant moment for a team that has struggled in recent matches.
Gattuso, a member of the Italian national team that won the FIFA World Cup in 2006, is considered a symbol of Italian football, renowned for his tenacity and competitive spirit.
He will be tasked with steering the four-time world champions and two-time European champions toward qualification for their first World Cup since 2014.
As of now, Italy sits third in Group I of the World Cup qualifying rounds, having garnered just three points after two matches.
Their campaign began with a notable 3-0 defeat against Norway in Oslo, a result that ultimately cost Spalletti his job.
Spalletti had been at the helm since August 2023, taking over after the surprise departure of Roberto Mancini, who left for a position in Saudi Arabia.
Under Spalletti's management, the Italian team achieved only twelve victories in 24 matches, totaling a win percentage of 50%.
This performance marked one of the poorest records for the national team this century, second only to Cesare Prandelli's tenure from 2010 to 2014.
Gattuso, aged 47, previously had a successful playing career primarily at AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies.
His managerial career, however, has seen limited success, highlighted by a single trophy, the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, and often characterized by brief stints at several clubs, including AC Milan, Valencia, and Marseille.
The FIGC initially sought other candidates for the role, experiencing rejections from high-profile managers such as Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before settling on Gattuso.
He is scheduled to be officially introduced at a press conference in Rome on Thursday.
Gattuso's coaching history includes notable tenures at clubs such as AC Milan, Valencia, and Marseille, but his time as a manager has often been marked by controversies and challenges in player relations.
His experience as a player and his tactical knowledge will be critical as Italy aims to improve its standing in the qualification standings and re-establish itself as a formidable force in international football.