Gennaro Gattuso Appointed Italy Coach: Can He Revive World Cup Hopes?

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]].

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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