AFCON 2025
Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy’s new coach on Sunday and will be tasked with helping the Azzurri qualify for the 2026 World Cup after replacing Luciano Spalletti.
The 47-year-old was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning side and won 73 caps for the national team as a player.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) said Gattuso would be presented to the media on Thursday.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.
“The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be essential.
“(He is) Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve. I thank him for the total dedication with which he has accepted this challenge.”
Four-time champions Italy have failed to qualify for the past two World Cups and started their bid to reach next year’s tournament in North America with a 3-0 loss to Norway last week.
Gattuso is an experienced coach and was last in charge of Croatian club Hajduk Split, helping them qualify for next season’s UEFA Conference League.
His other former clubs include AC Milan, for whom he made 468 appearances as a player, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille.
