Italy confirm Gattuso as manager

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Will the former AC Milan legend get Italy back to their best?

They have turned to former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach, following the abrupt departure of Luciano Spalletti.

Author | Jack L

Super News | Gattuso AC Milan

Gattuso, a World Cup winner in 2006 and a key figure in AC Milan’s golden era, steps into the role two decades after helping Italy lift the trophy in Germany. The 47-year-old won 73 caps for the Azzurri during a combative international career and will now be tasked with guiding them back to the top of the global game.

His appointment follows a dismal 3-0 World Cup qualifying defeat to Norway earlier this month, which ultimately brought an end to Spalletti’s tenure. The outgoing coach announced his own dismissal in a tense press conference last week.

Italy, who were crowned European champions in 2021, have since struggled to recapture their former heights. They failed to qualify for last summer’s Euros and have now missed the last two World Cups.

READ MORE | World Cup 2026 Qualifying

READ MORE | Norway ease to win over stunned Italy

The Italian Football Federation said Gattuso will be formally unveiled at a press conference on Thursday. It will be interesting to see and hear the reaction from Italian football fans over the next few days and weeks. 

A closer look at his playing career

During his playing days, Gattuso built a reputation as a fierce and uncompromising central midfielder, though he was also comfortable operating in wider roles. He began his club career with Perugia before spells at Salernitana and Rangers, but it was at AC Milan where he truly made his name. During over a decade at San Siro, Gattuso won the UEFA Champions League twice, in 2003 and 2007, the Coppa Italia in 2003, and Serie A titles in 2004 and 2011.

On the international stage, he represented his country at the 2000 Olympics, three FIFA World Cups, two European Championships and the 2009 Confederations Cup. Will he able to utilise this experience to revive Italy in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. 

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