Official: Gennaro Gattuso Named Head Coach of Italy National Team

2006 World Cup winner and Azzurri legend Gennaro Gattuso has officially been appointed as the new head coach of the Italy national team, the Italian Football Federation confirmed earlier today.

The position became vacant after Luciano Spalletti resigned following Italy's crushing 3-0 defeat to Norway — a result that marked the end of a short but turbulent spell in charge.

Gattuso, who previously managed clubs including AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Marseille and Hajduk Split, had been out of work since parting ways with the Croatian side earlier this season. In the race for the national team job, he beat out several high-profile candidates, including former teammates Daniele De Rossi and Fabio Cannavaro, as well as ex-AC Milan boss Stefano Pioli.

"Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. "The Azzurri shirt is like a second skin for him. His drive, professionalism, and experience will be absolutely vital as we tackle the upcoming challenges for the national team."

"Fully aware of the magnitude of the task ahead, I want to thank him for the passion and total commitment with which he accepted this role. He shares our long-term vision for the complete development of Italian football."

Gattuso's debut on the touchline is scheduled for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers, with Italy set to face Estonia on September 5 and Israel on September 8.