Gennaro Gattuso is officially the new man in charge of the Italian national team. The fiery former midfielder, who was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, steps in following Luciano Spalletti’s sudden departure. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) made the announcement, confirming that Gattuso will now lead the Azzurri into a crucial period as they look to return to the World Cup stage.
Gattuso recently left Croatian side Hajduk Split after guiding them to a third-place finish in the league. His appointment marks a homecoming of sorts — a return to the blue shirt that he once wore with relentless passion. “Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football, the shirt is like his second skin,” FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said. “His motivations, professionalism, and experience will be fundamental in taking on the next challenges of the national team. He knows the importance of our objectives and I thank him for his readiness and dedication in accepting this challenge.”
Spalletti’s tenure lasted less than two years and ended under strange circumstances. After a 2-0 win over Moldova — which turned out to be his last match — he confirmed his own departure just a day after a 3-0 defeat to Norway in their World Cup qualifying opener. While Spalletti had led Italy to Euro 2024 qualification, the country’s recent record in major tournaments has been disappointing. They’ve missed out on the last two World Cups.
Now the responsibility falls on Gattuso’s shoulders. It’s a big job, especially for a man whose coaching career has been a mix of ups and downs. He’s managed nine clubs in 12 years — including stints at AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille. He won the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, but also had short-lived spells at other clubs, including Fiorentina, where he left just two weeks after being appointed.
One of his more successful runs came with Pisa, where he led the club to promotion from Serie C to Serie B in his first season. But after a tough year in the second division, Gattuso stepped down. Most recently, he guided Hajduk Split in Croatia before mutually parting ways earlier this summer.
Interestingly, before Gattuso was approached, veteran coach Claudio Ranieri was also in the frame. But the former Leicester City and Chelsea manager turned down the offer, choosing instead to focus on his new advisory role at Roma, where he recently wrapped up the season with a fifth-place finish in Serie A.
Gattuso will be officially unveiled as Italy’s head coach on Thursday at Rome’s Parco dei Principi Hotel. His job is clear: bring Italy back to the World Cup and restore pride in a team that has struggled to find its way on the biggest stage in recent years.
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