World Cup Winner Gennaro Gattuso Named New Italy Coach

Gennaro Gattuso has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team, taking over from Luciano Spalletti following a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. The announcement was made on Sunday, with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirming that Gattuso will be formally introduced to the media later this week.

At 47, Gattuso brings with him extensive experience as both a player and a coach. A key figure in Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, he earned 73 caps during his international playing career. The FIGC emphasized that Gattuso represents the spirit and identity of Italian football, with President Gabriele Gravina highlighting his dedication, tactical knowledge, and emotional connection to the national team as crucial assets for the road ahead.

Rebuilding After Consecutive Qualification Failures

Italy’s national team has endured two successive failures to qualify for the World Cup, having missed the 2018 and 2022 tournaments. The absence from Russia and Qatar marked a historic low for the four-time world champions, who last lifted the trophy in 2006.

Italy’s current World Cup qualifying campaign got off to a poor start with a 3-0 defeat to Norway last week. That result prompted the dismissal of Spalletti, whose tenure concluded with a win over Moldova the following Monday. The team’s next qualifying fixtures are scheduled for September, with Group I matches against Estonia and Israel.

Gattuso assumes leadership of a squad that must overcome both structural issues and psychological setbacks from years of underperformance on the global stage. His mission will be to restore confidence and consistency while managing the pressure of returning Italy to football’s biggest tournament.

Coaching Background and Staff Developments

Since retiring from professional football in 2013, Gattuso has held several managerial posts across Europe with mixed results. His most recent role was at Croatian side Hajduk Split, where he secured a place in next season’s UEFA Conference League.

Earlier coaching roles included stints at AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille. At Milan, where he made 468 appearances during his playing career, he began his top-flight managerial journey. His greatest achievement to date came with Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia during the 2019–2020 season.

His tenure at both Valencia and Marseille was short-lived, lasting just 22 and 24 games, respectively. In 2021, a deal with Fiorentina was publicly announced but terminated just two weeks before he was set to take charge, citing disagreements over transfer policy.

Reports in the Italian press suggest that Gattuso’s coaching staff will include former international defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Additionally, Cesare Prandelli, who previously managed the Italian national team during the early 2010s, is expected to take responsibility for overseeing the country’s youth development system.

Federation Turned to Gattuso After Rejections

Before settling on Gattuso, the FIGC had approached other high-profile candidates. Both Claudio Ranieri, known for his title-winning campaign with Leicester City, and Stefano Pioli, who recently parted ways with AC Milan, reportedly declined the opportunity to lead the national side.

Gattuso’s appointment is therefore viewed not only as a tactical decision but also as a symbolic one. He represents a direct connection to a successful period in Italian football history, and the federation is banking on that legacy to reinvigorate a team in search of direction and renewed identity.