Italy relies on Gennaro Gatuso after being snuggled by Claudio Ranieri
Gennaro Gattuso is today known as the “symbol of Italian football” after being nominated as Azzurri’s new coach.
Gatuso replaced Luciano Spalletti, who was effectively fired after a 3-0 loss to Norway on June 6th, but oversaw Moldova’s 2-0 victory on Monday.
Former Italian International has achieved a cap of 73 in its own country, and was known as a midfielder with tough tackles.
Gennaro Gattuso is the new first-team head coach.
You’re welcome, Reno 👊#azzurri #vivoazzurro pic.twitter.com/h6oqzwjcca-ITALY June 15th, 2025
Gabriele Gravina, chairman of the Italian Football Association (FIGC), said:
“His motivation, professionalism and experience are fundamental to taking on the next assignment for the national team. He knows the importance of our purpose and appreciates the preparation and dedication to accept this assignment.
Second choice after Gattuso Ranieri Snub
FIGC turned to Gatuso after failing to appoint Claudio Lanieri, who chose to remain in the role of Rome’s senior advisor.
The 47-year-old had an incredible playing career, but it was not easy to replicate his success as a head coach.
He started with Swiss Side Sion, but didn’t last long, but started a pattern that continued with Palermo, Ophicreta and Pisa.
Gattuso returned to AC Milan where he starred as a player and coached coaches under the age of 19, but was promoted to first-team coach in November 2017 following the removal of Vincenzo Montella.
Napoli Trophy
The sixth and fifth place finishes were fired in May 2019 and appointed boss in Naples six months later. In Naples, his 18-month tenure ended in May 2021 when he claimed Coppa Italia’s only silverware, his management career, 2020.
The cancelled spell at Fiorentina left him after having been in charge of him for a season before stints in both Valencia and Marseille.
His resume appears to suggest that this is a risk from FIGC, only a year after the World Cup finals in the US, Canada and Mexico.
Qualifying has started off in a mixed way, and the next two games against Estonia and Italy are becoming important group I fixtures.