Italy's national football team has appointed Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach, following Luciano Spalletti's departure. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) made the announcement on Sunday, June 15, 2025, entrusting the former AC Milan midfielder with the task of revitalizing the Azzurri and securing their place in the 2026 World Cup.
Spalletti's exit came after a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier. Despite a subsequent 2-0 victory against Moldova, Spalletti revealed his decision to step down. This set the stage for the FIGC to seek a new leader to guide the national team through a challenging period. Several names were considered, including Claudio Ranieri, who ultimately declined the position. Ultimately, the job went to Gattuso.
Gattuso, a veteran of Italian football, brings a wealth of experience as both a player and a manager. His illustrious playing career includes stints with Rangers, Salernitana, and most notably, AC Milan, where he won two Serie A titles and two Champions League crowns. He was also a key member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
Gattuso's managerial journey has taken him to various clubs, including AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Marseille, and most recently, Hajduk Split in Croatia. While his managerial record has been mixed, his passion, determination, and deep understanding of Italian football make him a compelling choice for the national team job.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina expressed his confidence in Gattuso, stating, "Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. The Azzurri jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism, and his experience will be essential to better face the next commitments of the national team."
Gattuso inherits a team that is currently third in World Cup qualifying Group I. Italy's recent form has raised concerns, particularly after failing to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups. The pressure is on Gattuso to turn things around and ensure Italy's presence on the global stage in 2026.
Italy's path to the 2026 World Cup is far from certain. Under UEFA's qualification format, only the top team in each group qualifies directly, while the second-placed team must navigate a single-match playoff. To secure direct qualification, Italy needs to win their remaining matches and hope that their rivals, particularly Norway and Israel, drop points.
Gattuso's first challenge will be World Cup qualifiers against Estonia and Israel in September 2025. These matches will be crucial in setting the tone for his tenure and boosting Italy's chances of qualification. The Italian squad features a mix of experienced players and emerging talents, including Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Chiesa, and Nicolo Barella. Gattuso's ability to blend these players into a cohesive and motivated unit will be vital to Italy's success.
While some have criticized the appointment, citing Gattuso's relatively modest managerial achievements, his unwavering commitment to the national team and his proven leadership qualities could prove to be invaluable assets. Only time will tell if Gattuso can steer Italy back on course and restore their status as a major force in international football.
