Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new coach of the Italian national team, inheriting a squad facing a significant crisis. Following a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, and the subsequent dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has turned to the former midfield star to revitalize the Azzurri. Gattuso's task is clear: to instill a new mentality within the team and prevent Italy from missing out on another World Cup.
Gattuso, a veteran of Italian football, brings a wealth of experience both as a player and a coach. As a player, he was an integral part of the 2006 World Cup-winning team, known for his tenacity, combative spirit, and unwavering determination. He earned 73 caps for Italy between 2000 and 2010, also contributing to their success in the 2000 European Under-21 Championship. Throughout his club career, Gattuso starred for AC Milan, where he won two Champions League titles and two Serie A titles.
His managerial career has included spells at AC Milan and Napoli, where he secured the Coppa Italia in 2020. More recently, he coached Valencia, Olympique Marseille, and Hajduk Split. Now, he returns to the international stage, aiming to translate his on-field grit and passion into a winning formula for the national team.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has expressed his confidence in Gattuso, emphasizing that the "Azzurri jersey is like a second skin for him." Gravina believes Gattuso's motivation, professionalism, and experience will be essential in overcoming the challenges ahead. He also acknowledged Gattuso's willingness and dedication to the FIGC's project for the overall development of Italian football.
Gattuso's appointment comes at a critical juncture for Italian football. The team is currently nine points behind Norway in their World Cup qualifying group, though with two games in hand. Only the group winner automatically qualifies for the 2026 tournament, while the runner-up faces a playoff bracket. Italy's recent history in World Cup qualification has been fraught with disappointment, having missed out on both the 2018 and 2022 editions after losing in the playoffs to Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively.
Gattuso's immediate challenge is to address the perceived lack of mentality within the squad. Critics have pointed to a decline in intensity and possible unrest within the team. While Spalletti led Italy to victories against top-tier teams like France and Belgium in the Nations League, the team's performance has been inconsistent.
Gattuso's approach is expected to focus on injecting passion, discipline, and a strong work ethic into the team. His former Milan teammate, Cafu, believes Gattuso is the right man for the job, someone who can "grab players by the ear and drag them over."
Gattuso's first match in charge will be against Estonia on September 5, followed by a game against Israel on September 8. These matches will be crucial in setting the tone for Italy's World Cup qualifying campaign. The ultimate goal is to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, and restore Italy's status as a global football powerhouse.
