After Luciano Spalletti was let go, Claudio Ranieri was supposed to take over the Squadra Azzurra, but the top choice ended up turning it down. Instead, a 2006 World Cup winner who has had little success in his most recent positions will now lead the Italians to next year’s World Cup: Gennaro Gattuso.
Italy has a new national coach. After the embarrassing 0-3 defeat in the World Cup qualifier in Norway, the previous coach of the Azzurri, Luciano Spalletti, was informed of his dismissal, which he himself had announced in public. Even though the 66-year-old took his place on the Italian bench once again for the subsequent 2-0 victory against Moldova.
From September, a new man will be at the helm: Gennaro Gattuso.
The 2006 World Cup winner has tried his hand at club management several times in recent years, without success. Just a few weeks ago, his contract with Croatian club Hajduk Split was terminated after only one year. The reason for this was disagreements with the executive committee. However, Hajduk had previously squandered its chances of winning its first championship in 20 years with a weak run of six games without a win, as it had done the previous year.
Only title with Napoli – goal is 2026 World Cup
At Gattuso’s previous clubs, the long-time AC Milan midfielder’s spells as coach of Olympique Marseille and Valencia CF both ended after around six months. The 47-year-old’s only title to date is the 2020 cup win with SSC Napoli.
However, the Squadra Azzurra are not expecting any titles from the 73-time international player just yet. Gattuso’s first task is to lead Italy to the 2026 World Cup, after the team missed out on the last two continental tournaments in 2018 and 2022. Italy, which has played two games fewer so far, is already under pressure in World Cup qualifying group I. The undefeated leaders Norway, who recently beat the Azzurri 3-0, are already nine points ahead.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, in an official statement. “His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be crucial in helping the national team tackle the challenges ahead. The blue jersey is like a second skin to him.”
