Gennaro Gattuso is set to become the new head coach of Italy, taking over from Luciano Spalletti. Gianluigi Buffon confirmed the appointment, pending final details, following Spalletti's unexpected self-announcement of his sacking after a disappointing start to the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Spalletti's tenure saw Italy exit early in Euro 2024 and fail to qualify for the last two World Cups. Gattuso, a World Cup-winning player, now faces the challenge of revitalizing the national team, with crucial qualifiers against Estonia and Israel upcoming in September.
Gattuso, who won the World Cup in 2006 with Italy as a player, will be tasked with leading them back to the world stage.
We have worked, we are now waiting for the final details. The president and the whole federation have had some busy days, but I think that in the end we made the best choice.
Spalletti was appointed as Roberto Mancini's successor in August 2023, though he led Italy through a disappointing title defence at Euro 2024.
Italy have not qualified for either of the last two World Cups, in Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022.
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