Gattuso Named New Italy Manager After Spalletti Exit Following World Cup Miss
By IDNN European Football Bureau
ROME, ITALY – June 15, 2025
Gennaro Gattuso, former midfield enforcer and 2006 World Cup winner, has been named the new manager of the Italian national team, following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti after Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The FIGC (Italian Football Federation) confirmed the appointment in an official statement, describing Gattuso as a “symbol of Italian football” and a man whose “professionalism and passion will be critical” as the Azzurri attempt to rebuild.
“The blue jersey is like a second skin for him,” FIGC President Gabriele Gravina said. “His motivations and experience will be key to restoring pride and structure.”
Gattuso, 47, earned 73 caps for Italy and was a vital cog in Marcello Lippi’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad. Known for his no-nonsense leadership and relentless energy, he now inherits a national team in desperate need of direction after a string of high-profile failures.
Spalletti’s Fall and the Azzurri Collapse
Spalletti’s exit came days after a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway in World Cup qualifying, which sealed Italy’s absence from the tournament for the third time in the last four editions. Despite leading Italy to a triumphant Euro 2020 title just four years ago, Spalletti struggled to replicate that form in competitive fixtures since.
His resignation — or “self-sacking,” as described by Italian press — came at an emotional news conference in Rome, where he admitted “not meeting expectations” and took full responsibility for the national disappointment.
Gattuso’s Return and Redemption
Gattuso recently parted ways with Croatian side Hajduk Split after a mixed season, but his name has often been floated as a future Italy boss due to his passion, tactical understanding, and player development record at clubs like Napoli and Milan.
He will be officially presented to the media on Thursday, and reports suggest his first mandate is to qualify Italy for Euro 2028 while also ushering in a new generation of Azzurri stars.
“It’s a dream, but also a duty,” Gattuso reportedly told confidants after signing the deal. “The Italian people deserve better, and I’ll fight for every moment in this shirt.”
With Euro qualifiers starting this September and the nation still reeling from another World Cup absence, the pressure is immediate — but so is the opportunity.
