Gennaro Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti as Italy national team coach
Former AC Milan and Napoli boss Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed head coach of the Italy national football team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced on Sunday. Gattuso takes over from Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed last week following a 3-0 defeat to Norway in Italy’s opening World Cup qualifier. Gattuso, 47, will be officially presented on Thursday at Rome’s Parco dei Principi Hotel. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina praised the appointment, calling Gattuso “a symbol of Italian football,” and said his passion, experience, and professionalism will be key in leading the Azzurri through a crucial period. “His motivation and complete dedication to this challenge reflects his deep connection with the blue jersey,” Gravina said in a statement. “We believe he is the right man to lead the national team forward as we aim for World Cup qualification.” Spalletti, who had been in charge for less than two years, managed his final game in a 2-0 win over Moldova just days after confirming his sacking. Italy are currently third in Group I and will next face Estonia in Bergamo on September 5, followed by a clash against Israel in Hungary. Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner with 73 caps for Italy, has signed a one-year contract through to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. He most recently coached Croatian side Hajduk Split, departing by mutual consent after securing a third-place league finish. Over a 12-year managerial career, Gattuso has coached nine clubs, including Milan, Napoli—where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020—Valencia, and Marseille. He began his coaching journey in 2013 as player-coach at Swiss club Sion. His appointment follows the withdrawal of Claudio Ranieri, who declined the Italy job to continue in his senior advisory role at AS Roma. FIGC member Gianluigi Buffon had reportedly backed Gattuso for the position. Lazio manager Maurizio Sarri offered public support for Gattuso, encouraging him to stay true to his footballing identity. Sarri also voiced concern over the gap between the strength of Italian clubs—ranked third in Europe—and the national team’s recent struggles, including a round-of-16 exit at Euro 2024 despite winning Euro 2020. Published By: Kingshuk Kusari Published On: Jun 15, 2025
