Overview

• Gennaro Gattuso was confirmed as Italy’s head coach on June 15 with the explicit goal of guiding the national team through its 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
• He succeeds Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed after Italy’s 3-0 loss to Norway in their opening qualifying match.
• The FIGC praised Gattuso as a symbol of Italian football, highlighting his professionalism and experience despite recent club setbacks.
• His managerial resume includes stints at Valencia, Olympique de Marseille and Hajduk Split, where results fell short of expectations.
• His first match in charge is set for September 5 against Estonia, after which Italy must win its six remaining qualifiers to reach the 2026 World Cup.