Italy’s national football team has a new leader. Gennaro Gattuso, the former World Cup-winning midfielder, was officially appointed as head coach by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Sunday, June. His main task is to revive the team’s fortunes and secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Gattuso, 47 years old, earned 73 caps with the Azzurri during his career. He was a vital part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2006 in Germany. His formal media presentation is scheduled for Thursday. FIGC president Gabriele Gravina praised Gattuso, calling him a symbol of Italian football. “The blue shirt is like a second skin for him,” Gravina said. “His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be essential. I thank him for the full dedication with which he has taken on this challenge.”
Italy, four-time World Cup champions, have missed the last two editions of the tournament. Their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, for the event hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, began poorly with a 3-0 loss to Norway last week.
Gattuso’s latest managerial role was at Hajduk Split in Croatia, where he guided the club to qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League. His coaching career also includes stints at AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille. He won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in the 2019/20 season, which remains his only major trophy as a manager. Despite his successful playing days, Gattuso’s coaching path has seen ups and downs, including brief spells at Valencia (22 matches) and Marseille (24 matches). A planned move to Fiorentina in 2021 was canceled just weeks before he was to start.
Reports from Italy indicate that former defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will join Gattuso’s backroom team. Additionally, ex-national coach Cesare Prandelli is expected to manage youth development programs.
Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was relieved of his duties after Italy’s heavy defeat to Norway. Despite a subsequent win over Moldova, the FIGC decided a leadership change was necessary to reset the team’s direction.
The Azzurri will resume their qualifiers in September with matches against Estonia and Israel, as Gattuso begins his mission to bring Italy back to football’s biggest stage.
