The Italian Football Association officially announced that 47-year-old Gattuso became the new head coach of the Italian national team, replacing the outgoing Spaletti.
[Official Announcement of the Italian Football Association]
Gattuso serves as the new head coach of the national team - The Italian Football Association announced the appointment of Gnaro Gattuso as the technical specialist of the Italian national team. The Calabria region coach will hold his debut at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 19 at Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome.
Italian Football Association Chairman Gravina said: "Gatuso is a symbol of Italian football, and the blue jersey is like a second layer of skin. His enthusiasm, professionalism and experience will be the key to our better response to the future tasks of the national team. I am well aware of the importance of our goal, and thank him for his enthusiasm and devoted efforts to accept this challenge. He is committed to the comprehensive development of our football with the Italian Football Association, and the national team mission will play a strategic core role in it."
Gatuso stepped down as the head coach of Haiduke in early June. He has coached clubs such as Pisa, Milan, Naples, Valencia, Marseille, and Haiduke. During his 2024-2025 season coaching Hayduke, he led the team with a record of 20 wins, 14 draws and 9 losses in 43 games, and the team ranked third in the league.
In his time as a player, Gattuso, who played as a midfielder, won the 2006 World Cup championship on behalf of the Italian national team. He played in 73 games for the national team and contributed one goal.
After Italy lost to Norway 0-3 in the World Cup, the Italian Football Association removed Spalletti from the coaching position. The Italian World Cup qualifiers won and lost in Group I in Europe, and currently ranks third in the group.
