TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Gennaro Gattuso has been officially appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team, replacing Luciano Spalletti, who was recently dismissed. The announcement was confirmed by Gianluigi Buffon, the head delegate of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), on Saturday, June 14, 2025.
Buffon confirmed the decision during the UEFA European Under-21 Championship, speaking to Italy’s government broadcaster RAI Sport.
"We've been working, now waiting for the final details," he said. "The president and the entire federation have had some busy days, but I think in the end we made the best choice."
Spalletti’s tenure ended after less than two years in charge. Despite being relieved of his duties, he still oversaw Italy’s 2-0 win over Moldova in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday, June 10. His dismissal followed a heavy 3-0 loss to Norway just days earlier.
Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner who earned 73 caps for Italy, recently left Croatian side Hajduk Split by mutual agreement after finishing third in the national league. The FIGC had initially targeted Claudio Ranieri, but the 73-year-old declined the offer, opting to remain in his advisory role at AS Roma.
Gattuso began his managerial career in 2013 with Swiss club Sion, where he had ended his playing career after 13 seasons with AC Milan. His stint at Sion was short-lived, as he was dismissed after just two wins in ten matches.
The only managerial silverware Gattuso has claimed is the 2020 Coppa Italia title with Napoli. Over a 12-year coaching career, he has led nine clubs, including AC Milan, Valencia, and most recently, a brief five-month term at Marseille. In 2021, Gattuso was briefly appointed as Fiorentina’s manager, but the agreement was canceled just 22 days later due to a reported disagreement over transfer policies.
Now 47, Gattuso faces the challenge of reviving Italy’s World Cup hopes. The national team has failed to qualify for the last two tournaments and is currently in third place in Group I of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. Italy has three points from two matches, trailing group leaders Norway, who have 12 points from four games, and second-placed Israel with six points from three.
Estonia and Moldova round out the bottom of the group with three and zero points, respectively, from four and three matches. Italy’s upcoming fixtures in the qualifiers are against Estonia on September 5, followed by a crucial match against Israel on September 8.
Editor's Choice: 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Qatar and Saudi Arabia to Host Fourth Round Matches
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
List of 32 Top Global Squads Set to Compete in 2025 FIFA Club World Cup
1 hari lalu
A total of 32 teams will compete in the renewed format of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Get to Know the 5 Indonesian National Team's Opponents in the 4th Round of World Cup Qualifiers
3 hari lalu
The Indonesian national team will compete in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers to vie for two tickets to the final round.
Italy's Most Cultural Cities per Square Mile, Ranked
3 hari lalu
New research reveals that several lesser-known cities in Italy offer more cultural landmarks per square mile than major cities like Rome and Venice.
Pep Guardiola Awarded Honorary Degree by University of Manchester
3 hari lalu
Pep Guardiola's trophy-laden journey has reshaped modern football - and earned him recognition for his leadership both on and off the pitch.
2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Asia Zone Fourth Round Schedule and Pot Breakdown
3 hari lalu
Indonesia, placed in pot three, will compete in the fourth round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone starting October 2025.
History Made: Uzbekistan Becomes First Central Asian Team to Qualify for World Cup
4 hari lalu
Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze dedicates the team's first World Cup qualification to the nation. What does President Shavkat Mirziyoyev say?
Cristiano Ronaldo Sets New Records as Portugal Wins 2025 UEFA Nations League
4 hari lalu
Cristiano Ronaldo has once again made history and solidified his status as a legend in the world of football.
Final Standings of Group C 2026 World Cup Qualifiers: Indonesia Finishes Fourth
4 hari lalu
All matches in the third round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in the Asian zone have concluded, including those in Group C.
Indonesia vs Japan 0-6: List of the Blue Samurai Team Goal Scorers
4 hari lalu
Daichi Kamada (2 goals), Takefusa Kubo, Ryoya Morishita, Shuto Machino, and Ayase Hosoya emerge as key figures in Indonesia's 0-6 loss to Japan
The Strengths of Japan According to Indonesian National Team Coach Patrick Kluivert
4 hari lalu
Indonesia National Team Coach Patrick Kluivert revealed Japan's main strengths in the resounding 6-0 victory in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
