Gennaro Gattuso leads Italy to 2026 world cup

Italy have turned to one of their fiercest former players to guide them back to the top of world football, appointing Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national team.

The 47-year-old AC Milan icon, who won the 2006 FIFA World Cup with Italy, replaces Luciano Spalletti, who announced his departure during a dramatic press conference last week.

The decision comes in the wake of Italy’s shocking 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier on June 6; a result that all but ended Spalletti’s tenure.

Gattuso, known for his fiery passion and relentless energy on the pitch, made 73 appearances for the Azzurri and is now tasked with reigniting a national side that has struggled to maintain consistency on the world stage.

Despite lifting the Euro 2020 title, Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, marking a painful stretch for a country with such rich footballing pedigree.

Now, 20 years after helping Italy to their last World Cup triumph, Gattuso returns wearing a different badge; as leader rather than player.

Gattuso’s managerial resume includes spells at AC Milan, Napoli, and most recently Valencia and Marseille, where he earned praise for his no-nonsense style and ability to command respect in the dressing room.