Gennaro Gattuso is the new national coach of Italy. The former international must finally lead the four-time world champion back to a World Cup.
The appointment of the 47-year-old Gattuso had been in the air for a few days. He succeeds Luciano Spalletti, who was recently sacked after the lost World Cup qualifying match against Norway (3-0).
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” says chairman Gabriele Gravina of the Italian FA. “The blue shirt is like a second skin to him. His motivation, professionalism and experience will be essential.”
Reportedly, Gattuso, who played 73 international matches and became world champion with Italy in 2006, was not the first choice of the Italian FA. Claudio Ranieri would have been the dream candidate, but the 73-year-old Italian decided to remain loyal to AS Roma as an advisor.
Gattuso had an impressive track record as a ruthless midfielder for AC Milan and Italy, but he was rarely successful as a coach. He served ten clubs, including AC Milan and Napoli, but never lasted longer than two years. He recently left the Croatian club Hajduk Split.
Italy faces a catch-up race in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. ‘La Squadra Azzurra’ is third in the group with three points from two matches. Group leader Norway has won all four of its matches. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup, which Italy last participated in in 2014. The runner-up gets a second chance in the play-offs.