Izuchukwu OkosiThe Italian Football Federation (FIGC) have confirmed the appointment of former AC Milan and Italy international, Genarro Gattuso, as their new national team manager.
The appointment comes after the sacking of Luciano Spaletti who announced the decision if his employers to fire him at the press conference ahead of the Azurri’s 2026 World Cup qualifier last week.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Italians had their qualification handing by a thread after a 3-0 defeat against Norway but bounced back in the win over Moldova.
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Italy beat England via penalty shootout to lift the 2020 European Championship but failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The Italian Football Federation have disclosed that Gattuso will be presented to the media on Thursday.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said.
“The blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to beat face the upcoming commitments of the national team.”
Gattuso was part of his country’s 2006 World Cup triumph in Germany. Gattuso is best remembered for his time at AC Milan where he won the Serie A and UEFA Champions League twice across a 13-year spell.
He became the head coach of Serie A side Fiorentina in May 2021 but only lasted on the job for just two weeks. The longest time Gattuso, affectionately called ‘The General’ for his combative style of play has stayed in a coaching job was two seasons with third-tier side Pisa.
Gattuso has also played at Rangers and retired from active playing career in 2013 before moving into management.
The Italian national team job will mark his 10th team that he has managed in 12 years. Italy returns to 2026 World Cup qualifiers in September.
A total of 12 countries have punched their tickets to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Italy is the fourth-placed nation with most appearances at the World Cup with 18 participations behind Brazil (23), Germany (20) and Argentina (19).
Izuchukwu Okosi is a Nigerian sports and entertainment journalist with two decades of experience in the media industry having begun his media journey in 2002 as an intern at Mundial Sports International (MSI) and Africa Independent Television (AIT), owners of Daar Communications Plc.
