Luciano Spalletti replaced! Gennaro Gattuso named new Italy head coach; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci set for staff roles

Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as Italy's new national team coach, replacing Luciano Spalletti. The 47-year-old former midfielder, who was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, earned 73 caps for his country during his playing career.The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will formally introduce Gattuso at a media event on Thursday."Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be essential. (He is) Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve. I thank him for the total dedication with which he has accepted this challenge," said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina.Italy, four-time World Cup champions, have missed the last two World Cup tournaments. Their campaign for the 2026 World Cup began with a 3-0 defeat against Norway.Gattuso's most recent coaching position was with Croatian club Hajduk Split, where he secured UEFA Conference League qualification. His coaching resume includes stints at AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille.Italy's next qualifying matches in Group I are scheduled against Estonia and Israel in September.

Spalletti's tenure ended following the Norway loss and a final victory over Moldova.Italy's World Cup struggles include playoff losses to Sweden for the 2018 tournament and North Macedonia for the 2022 competition.Since retiring as a player in 2013, Gattuso's coaching career has seen mixed results. His most notable achievement was winning the 2019/20 Italian Cup with Napoli.His tenures at Valencia and Marseille were brief, lasting 22 and 24 matches respectively.

A planned move to Fiorentina in 2021 was canceled two weeks before his contract was set to begin.Italian media reports suggest former national team defenders Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will join Gattuso's coaching staff.Former manager Cesare Prandelli is expected to take charge of the youth teams.The FIGC approached both Claudio Ranieri and Stefano Pioli before selecting Gattuso for the position.