Italy’s football federation has made a significant decision by appointing former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national team. The 47-year-old Gattuso takes over the reins following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, who faced criticism after securing only 12 wins out of 24 matches during his tenure. This inconsistency in performance has left Italy in a precarious position, casting doubt on the team’s hopes of qualifying for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gattuso, who famously was part of the Italian squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup trophy in 2006, has recently parted ways with Hajduk Split by mutual consent. His brief stint in Croatia saw the club finish in third place in the country’s top division. The appointment comes at a crucial time as Italy, known as the Azzurri, is struggling in the UEFA World Cup qualifiers. Their recent setback, which was a 3-0 defeat against Norway, has put them in a challenging position. This loss has raised alarm bells, especially since Norway is currently flourishing, winning all their qualifiers to date, thus placing them in a dominant position for automatic qualification to the World Cup.
Gattuso’s debut matches as the head coach will take place during the September international break, where Italy is set to compete against Estonia and Israel in vital qualifiers. The outcome of these matches will be pivotal in determining the team’s path forward as they seek redemption and a place in the World Cup.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina expressed confidence in Gattuso’s potential to lead the team back to its former glory. In a statement on the national team’s official website, Gravina proclaimed, “Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football.” He emphasized Gattuso’s deep emotional connection to the Azzurri jersey, stating that it feels like a second skin to him. Gravina underscored the importance of Gattuso’s motivation, professionalism, and experience, stating that these qualities will be fundamental in navigating the impending challenges faced by the national team. He further appreciated Gattuso’s commitment to the FIGC’s broader vision for the future of Italian football, with the Azzurri being at the core of that strategy.
A press conference to formally announce Gattuso’s appointment is scheduled to take place in Rome on Thursday, marking a significant moment for both him and the Italian football community. Gattuso’s coaching career has also included stints at well-known clubs such as AC Milan, Marseille, and Valencia, alongside a role at Napoli. His illustrious playing career saw him make 73 appearances for the national team, contributing one goal.
In the wake of Spalletti’s exit, there was considerable speculation surrounding potential replacements. Notable names like Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli—who is currently managing Al Nassr—were connected to the role. However, it is reported that Ranieri declined the offer, while Pioli is thought to be on the verge of joining Fiorentina instead.
The current chapter of Italian football has been tumultuous, to say the least. Since the triumph at Euro 2020, there have been several disappointments, including failures to qualify for the World Cup in Russia (2018) and Qatar (2022). Additionally, Italy’s exit from Euro 2024 came in the last 16, where they were eliminated by Switzerland. These setbacks underline the pressures Gattuso faces as he embarks on this new journey to restore pride and success to the Azzurri. The path ahead will certainly be challenging, but Gattuso’s experience as both a player and manager may provide the necessary tools to navigate Italy back to the world stage.