Gennaro Gattuso Appointed as Italy Head Coach: A New Era for the Azzurri
In a significant turn for Italian football, Gennaro Gattuso has been officially confirmed as the new head coach of the Italy national team, marking a bold new chapter for the Azzurri. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC), under pressure to reinvigorate a struggling national side, turned to the former World Cup-winning midfielder to guide the nation forward after the abrupt dismissal of Luciano Spalletti.
The End of the Spalletti Era
Luciano Spalletti’s tenure as Italy boss was cut short following a dismal 3–0 loss to Norway in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match. The heavy defeat, compounded by inconsistent performances in recent months, ultimately cost Spalletti his job. Critics cited tactical rigidity and a lack of adaptation as key issues, despite his reputation as a tactician with a strong domestic record—most notably, his 2022–23 Serie A title with Napoli.
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, facing increasing scrutiny from fans and media alike, stated:
“We appreciate what Luciano tried to implement, but we must act in the best interest of Italian football. We need a leader who embodies passion, tactical awareness, and national pride.”
Gattuso: From Midfield Warrior to National Coach
Gennaro Gattuso, 47, is no stranger to Italian footballing glory. A gritty and relentless midfielder, Gattuso earned 73 caps for the national team, playing a vital role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph under Marcello Lippi. Known for his passion, work rate, and aggressive style, Gattuso was the heartbeat of Italy’s midfield for much of the 2000s, forming a legendary partnership with Andrea Pirlo.
Since retiring, Gattuso’s coaching career has seen mixed but notable success. He began with stints at lower-tier clubs before taking over AC Milan in 2017, stabilizing the club during a tumultuous period. His most successful spell came with Napoli, where he won the Coppa Italia in 2020. He later managed Fiorentina briefly (without overseeing a game), then Valencia in Spain, and most recently Croatian side Hajduk Split.
While Gattuso’s record isn’t free of blemishes—particularly in terms of consistent long-term results—he is widely admired for his man-management, motivational skills, and emotional leadership.
Buffon Confirms the Appointment
Gianluigi Buffon, Italy’s legendary goalkeeper and now head of delegation for the FIGC, was instrumental in Gattuso’s appointment. Speaking to the press on June 14, Buffon said:
“Rino is a fighter. He represents everything it means to wear the Azzurri shirt. He has grown as a coach, and we believe he is the right man to reignite this squad.”
Buffon and Gattuso were teammates during Italy’s 2006 World Cup run, and their mutual respect appears to have played a key role in the transition.
Why Gattuso?
The FIGC reportedly considered several candidates for the role, including veteran manager Claudio Ranieri. However, Ranieri declined the position, opting to remain as a technical advisor to AS Roma. Roberto De Zerbi and Thiago Motta were also mentioned, but both chose to continue their club careers in the Premier League and Serie A respectively.
Gattuso’s appeal lies in his identity as a proud Italian, his emotional connection to the national team, and his reputation for instilling discipline and unity. At a time when Italy appears to be lacking direction and identity, his appointment is viewed as an attempt to restore not just tactics, but also spirit.
Challenges Ahead
Gattuso inherits a team that, while talented, is plagued by inconsistency. The Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup and barely scraped through to Euro 2020, which they surprisingly won. However, their form since then has dipped considerably, including missing the 2022 World Cup.
Italy currently sits third in its five-team qualifying group for the 2026 World Cup, behind Norway and Switzerland. With only the top two teams securing automatic qualification, Gattuso will face immediate pressure to turn things around in the remaining fixtures.
His first match in charge will be a crucial home qualifier against Switzerland next month. Reports suggest that he is considering reverting to a 4-3-3 system, aiming to bring structure and balance back to midfield—a department he knows intimately.
Squad Overhaul Incoming?
Gattuso’s appointment may signal a shift toward a younger, more dynamic squad. Italy has relied heavily on veterans in recent years, but with Euro 2024 now behind them, many believe it’s time for a generational reset.
Players like Nicolò Fagioli, Sandro Tonali (once suspended, now reinstated), Destiny Udogie, and Riccardo Calafiori are expected to play bigger roles under Gattuso. He has also reportedly reached out to key figures like Federico Chiesa and Gianluigi Donnarumma to assure them of their continued importance in the team’s rebuild.
Reactions from the Football World
The footballing world has reacted with a mix of curiosity and optimism to Gattuso’s appointment.
Fabio Cannavaro (former Italy captain):
“He’s a warrior. This team needs fight, and Gattuso will give them that. If he gets the balance right tactically, Italy can be dangerous again.”
Andrea Pirlo (longtime teammate):
“Rino’s passion is unmatched. Let’s hope he can translate that into a system that brings results.”
Italian Media:
Publications like La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport have described the appointment as a “gamble worth taking” and “a return to Italy’s soul.”