Overview

• Ignazio La Russa said he voiced his doubts to FIGC president Gabriele Gravina before Gattuso’s hiring and argued that the midfielder does not embody Italian football’s iconic legacy.
• The Senate president recommended Walter Zenga for the head coach role, citing legends such as Rivera, Baggio and Del Piero as the sport’s true symbols.
• La Russa criticized the Italian Football Federation for its slow selection process and noted that figures like Ranieri, Mancini or even Mourinho could have been lined up as backups.
• Gennaro Gattuso has been confirmed as Italy’s head coach, supported by Cesare Prandelli as technical coordinator and former defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli joining his staff.
• The Azzurri will begin their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Estonia and Israel in September as part of efforts to rebuild national team appeal.