Gennaro Gattuso has been named as Italy’s new coach, tasked with helping the Azzurri qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
The 47-year-old former player, who was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning side, replaces Luciano Spalletti.
Gattuso won 73 caps for the national team and played for several clubs, including AC Milan, Napoli, and Valencia.
He was a key player in Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team.
Gattuso’s most recent coaching role was with Croatian club Hajduk Split, where he helped them qualify for the UEFA Conference League.
He has had a mixed coaching career, with his most notable success being the 2019/20 Italian Cup win with Napoli.
Italy failed to qualify for the past two World Cups and will face tough competition in Group I of qualifying, with games against Estonia and Israel in September.
Former Italy defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci are expected to join Gattuso’s coaching staff, while Cesare Prandelli will take over the youth teams.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina described Gattuso as a symbol of Italian football, praising his motivation, professionalism, and experience.
Gravina thanked Gattuso for his total dedication to the challenge of helping Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
