Gattuso Named Italy’s New Coach After Spalletti’s Sack

The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) revealed on Sunday, June, that Gennaro Gattuso has been named the new head coach of Italy’s national football team. The former midfielder, who won the World Cup, takes over from Luciano Spalletti and is charged with turning around the Azzurri’s fortunes while guiding them toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Gattuso, aged 47, earned 73 caps for Italy during a notable playing career and played a vital role in the team that triumphed at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. He is set to be formally introduced to the media on Thursday.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina in a statement. “The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be essential. Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve, I thank him for the total dedication with which he has accepted this challenge.”

Italy, who have won the World Cup four times, missed out on qualification for the past two tournaments. Their campaign for the 2026 World Cup, to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, started poorly with a 3-0 loss to Norway last week.

Gattuso’s latest coaching role was with Croatian club Hajduk Split, where he secured qualification for the 2024/25 UEFA Conference League. His managerial 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 to date.

Despite his celebrated playing career, Gattuso’s coaching tenure has had ups and downs. He managed only 22 matches at Valencia and 24 at Marseille. A planned move to Fiorentina in 2021 fell through just weeks before he was set to begin.

Italian media reports indicate that former Italy defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will join Gattuso’s coaching staff, while former national team manager Cesare Prandelli is expected to lead the youth development programmes.

Gattuso assumes the role after Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal, which followed Italy’s significant defeat to Norway. Though the Azzurri recovered with a victory against Moldova on Monday, the FIGC chose to shift leadership to realign the team’s direction.

Italy will resume their campaign in September with Group I qualifiers against Estonia and Israel, as Gattuso embarks on his quest to bring the Azzurri back to the global stage.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli