Bombshell: Genaro Gattuso will be Italy's new head coach

The Italian Football Federation has officially appointed Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the national team, replacing Luciano Spalletti. The announcement was made by Gianluigi Buffon, a current member of the technical staff, who stated: "We've worked hard, we believe we've made the best decision".

The legendary midfielder and World Cup champion in Germany 2006 takes over in a challenging context: Azzurra has missed the last two World Cups and began the Euro 2028 Qualifiers with a tough 3-0 defeat against Norway, which led to Spalletti's departure. The refusal of Claudio Ranieri, the main candidate, accelerated plan B.

The management then opted for the temperament and identity represented by Gattuso, who will try to get a team that is far from the leader of its group back on track and needs to earn points to avoid the play-off zone. His arrival aims to inject energy and leadership into a shaken squad, which will have to overcome a nine-point deficit.

Gattuso's coaching career

Since his debut as a coach in 2013, Gattuso has managed teams such as Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Olympique de Marseille, Palermo, Pisa, and Hajduk Split, accumulating more than 350 official matches. His most notable period was at Napoli, where he achieved a 55% success rate and won the Coppa Italia in 2020.

In his most recent experience at Hajduk Split, the Italian managed 33 matches, with 16 wins, 11 draws, and 6 losses. His coaching style, characterized by intensity and tactical discipline, reflects his combative character as a footballer.

With this new cycle, Italy is betting on a renowned figure, with international experience and the composure needed to lead a reconstruction that can no longer afford mistakes.