Italy Appoints Gennaro Gattuso As New National Team Head Coach

‎Gennaro Gattuso has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national team.

‎The Azzurri have chosen to bring back their former midfielder to lead the team after Luciano Spalletti’s departure earlier this month.

‎A press conference to introduce Gattuso will take place in Rome on Thursday, June 19.

‎“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said Federation chief Gravina.

‎“The Azzurri jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivation, his professionalism, and his experience will be fundamental to face the next National challenges.

‎“Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve, I thank him for his availability and the total dedication with which he accepted this challenge, sharing the FIGC’s project of overall development of our football, with the Azzurri strategically at the centre.”

‎Italy suffered a shock defeat to Norway at the start of the international break, hastening Spalletti’s exit after two years on the job.

‎Reports in the Italian press suggest that Claudio Ranieri was the initial favorite for the position.

‎However, after allegedly declining the opportunity, the FIGC has decided to appoint Gennaro Gattuso instead.

‎While specific details of his contract have not been disclosed.

‎Gazzetta dello Sport reports that the former Milan midfielder has signed a one-year agreement, with an option for an additional year if Italy qualifies for the World Cup.

‎As a player, Gattuso was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad and made 73 senior appearances for the Nazionale.

‎He was also on the side that won the European Under-21 Championship in 2000.

‎The former coach of Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Olympique Marseille, and Hajduk Split is now a free agent after mutually terminating his contract with the Croatian club after just one season.

‎He previously managed Hajduk Split before leaving his position. His first game in his new role is scheduled against Estonia on September 5.