Former AC Milan and Italy midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new manager of the Italian national team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced.
Gattuso, 47, succeeds Luciano Spalletti, who departed his role last week following a 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Norway on June 6. He is now tasked with leading Italy through the remainder of their qualification campaign for the 2026 World Cup.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the national team.”
The appointment marks a significant moment for the Azzurri, who, despite winning Euro 2020, have failed to qualify for the last two FIFA World Cups. Gattuso, a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad who earned 73 caps for his country, will be officially presented to the media on Thursday.
Since retiring as a player in 2013, Gattuso has embarked on a varied managerial career, with the national team role being his tenth appointment in twelve years. His coaching journey has included spells at clubs such as AC Milan, Napoli, and Valencia. His longest tenure was a two-season spell with Pisa, whom he guided to promotion from the third tier to Serie B.
Gattuso is renowned for the same tenacity and passion he displayed during a distinguished playing career, where he famously won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies during a 13-year period with AC Milan.
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