Italy is ready to name the former Stalwart Gatnaro Gattuso as a new manager of the national team, replaced by Luciana Spalletti, who was released after a frantic beginning of the World Cup qualifying campaign. The confirmation came from Gianluigi Buffon on Saturday, the head of the delegation with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).
“We have worked, we are waiting for the final details now,” said Buffon State State Rai during the European Championships under 21 years. “The President and the whole Federation had some busy days, but I think we finally made the best choice.”
Spalletti’s tenure, which lasted less than two years, ended in a victory of 2-0 over Moldova – his last match in charge – just one day after he effectively confirmed his departure. This came on the heels of 3-0 defeats in Norway, Italy with the opening qualification of the World Cup, which is the result that sealed his fate.
Gattuso, 47, earned 73 caps for Italy and was part of the 2006 World Cup Party. Last time he managed to divide Hajduk in Croatia and say goodbye to the club with mutual consent after led them to the third place in the home league.
While Claudio Ranieri was the originally preferred candidate FigC, the veteran coach refused the offer and instead decided to concentrate on his role as a top advisor to AS Roma.
Gattuso managerial career began in 2013 in Swiss Side Sion, where it briefly served as a player. Since then, he has had spells in many clubs, including AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia and the last short stint at the Olympique de Marseille. His only managerial silver came in Napoli and in 2020 he raised Coppa Italia.
In 2021, Fiorentina announced Gattuso as its new manager only to end the agreement 22 days later, reportedly because of disputes over transfer policy.
Gattuso, now entrusted with the revival of the hope for the World Championship in Italy, after the last two tournaments were missing, they will inherit side winding from their loss in Oslo and face growing pressure to turn things quickly.
Published:
Saurabh Kumar
Published on:
June 15, 2025
