‘Symbol of Italian football’ called in to replace Spalletti
Gennaro Gattuso will be presented as the new Italy coach with a press conference at Rome’s Hotel Parco dei Principi on Thursday after the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC) announced on Sunday that the former midfielder had been given the keys of the national team.
He replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked after Italy’s 3-0 defeat in Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The federation turned to Gattuso, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team, after getting knocked back by their first choice, Claudio Ranieri, who has decided to stay on at Roma in an executive position.
The choice of Gattuso was something of surprise.
The 47-year-old has had stints in charge of many teams, including AC Milan, Napoli and Valencia, but his career as a coach has not been hugely successful so far.
He won the 2019-20 Italian Cup with Napoli.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football, the shirt is like his second skin,” said FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
“His motivations, professionalism and experience will be fundamental in taking on the next challenges of the national team.
“He knows the importance of our objectives and I thank him for his readiness and dedication in accepting this challenges.
“He shares the FIGC’s project of the development of our football, in which the Azzurri shirt is a central part”.
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