OFFICIAL: Italy confirm Gennaro Gattuso as new manager

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 15 Jun 2025 14:45 BST
• 5 min read

News

Italy have officially appointed Rino Gattuso as their new manager.

The 2006 World Cup winner and former AC Milan and Rangers midfield legend was confirmed as the new coach of the Azzurri on Sunday.

Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked last week after a 3-0 defeat to Norway that has put Italy's World Cup qualification hopes at risk.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football," FIGC president Gabriel Gravina said.

"The Azzurri for him is like a second skin. His motivation, professionalism and experience will be fundamental."

Gattuso to Italy

Italy team manager Gigi Buffon already unofficially confirmed the appointment of Gattuso on Saturday.

“We worked, we are waiting for the final details now,” Buffon told RAI Sport.

“The President and the Federation had some pretty full days full of various moments. I think at the end of the day we made the best possible decision.

“We are trying to push ourselves first and foremost, but the most important thing is that we avoid embarrassing performances that are unworthy of Italy,” added Buffon.

“There are different ways to lose and I think we can avoid the worst kind with a few minor adjustments.”

Gattuso was one of the best defensive midfielders in the world during a glittering playing career in which he won the 2006 World Cup and two Champions Leagues with Milan. Early in his career he also had a successful spell with Rangers.

He has had more mixed fortunes as a manager, coaching the likes of Milan, Napoli, Fiorentina, Valencia, Marseille and managing in six different countries.

The Azzurri sacked Luciano Spalletti last weekend following the disastrous 3-0 defeat in Norway that has put Italy at risk of missing a third straight World Cup.

Spalletti stayed on to coach Italy for the last time on Monday - a 2-0 home win over Moldova - but now departs after a miserable 22 months in charge of his country.

Italian president Gabriele Gravina initially earmarked Claudio Ranieri as his first choice to replace Spalletti, and negotiations had been ongoing for 48 hours.

According to a number of sources, including Nicolo Schira, Ranieri seemed likely to accept the offer to coach Italy until the World Cup next year.

The FIGC had given their blessing for Ranieri to undertake a duel role of being a senior advisor at Roma, in addition to coaching Italy.

However, after a period of reflection, Ranieri decided to keep his word to Roma and give his job there his full attention.

Italy were forced to look elsewhere and, after being rejected by Stefano Pioli as well, the Azzurri opted for Gattuso.

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