Gennaro Gattuso Appointed Italy Coach: Can He Revive World Cup Hopes?
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Rome – The Italian national team has a new coach: Gennaro Gattuso. Italian Football federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina announced the appointment, expressing confidence that Gattuso, often called “Rino,” will steer the Azzurri toward a brighter future [[SOURCE]]. Gattuso steps in to fill the void left by Luciano Spalletti, whose departure followed a concerning 3-0 defeat against Norway in the 2026 World cup qualifiers [[SOURCE]].
gattuso’s Appointment Follows Spalletti’s Exit
spalletti’s tenure ended after the loss to Norway, despite a subsequent 2-0 victory against Moldova [[SOURCE]]. the FIGC initially pursued Claudio ranieri, but Ranieri declined the offer, paving the way for Gattuso’s appointment [[SOURCE]].
Did You Know? gattuso, a World Cup winner with italy as a player in 2006, began his managerial career in 2013 as a player-coach for Swiss club Sion [[2]].
Criticism and Support for the New Italy Coach
The FIGC’s decision to appoint Gattuso has drawn mixed reactions, with some critics questioning his track record as a coach [[SOURCE]]. throughout his managerial career, Gattuso has led teams such as AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Olympique Marseille, and Hajduk Split [[SOURCE]]. He was unemployed before taking the Italy job, his contract with Hajduk Split having expired [[SOURCE]]. His sole trophy as a coach came with Napoli, winning the Coppa Italia in 2019/2020 [[SOURCE]].
Despite the criticism, Gravina stands by the choice, citing Gattuso’s clear vision for the Italian national team [[SOURCE]]. The appointment also reflects the influence of Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian national team manager, who played alongside Gattuso in the 2006 World Cup-winning squad [[SOURCE]].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on how Gattuso integrates young talent into the squad. Gravina specifically highlighted Gattuso’s belief in developing young players as a key factor in his appointment [[SOURCE]].
Buffon’s Crucial Role and the Path Forward
Gravina believes that the partnership between Buffon and Gattuso will guide the Italian national team in a positive direction [[SOURCE]]. He emphasized that Gattuso’s familiarity with Italian football and his commitment to young players make him well-suited for the role [[SOURCE]].
“It is a joint decision,” Gravina stated. “Gianluigi buffon plays an important role. His contribution is very important in forming this project. It is a shared choice, both in terms of players and coaches. We are sure of Rino’s technical quality. There is concrete evidence of his ability, and I am sure he will become an achievement person” [[SOURCE]].
| team | Years | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| AC Milan | 2017-2019 | N/A |
| Napoli | 2019-2021 | Coppa Italia Champion (2019/2020) |
| Valencia | 2022-2023 | N/A |
| Olympique Marseille | 2023-2024 | N/A |
| Hajduk Split | 2024-2025 | N/A |
The Pressure on Gattuso: Italy’s World Cup Qualification History
Italy has a rich history in the World Cup, but recent failures to qualify have put immense pressure on the national team and its coaches. Gattuso faces the challenge of not only revitalizing the team’s performance but also restoring national pride. The team aims to avoid missing out on a third straight World Cup [[1]].
Frequently Asked Questions About italy’s New Coach
Can Gattuso bring back the glory days for Italy? What changes do you expect to see in the team’s strategy? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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