A New Era Begins for the Azzurri
Gennaro Gattuso is set to become the new head coach of the Italy national football team, with the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) reaching a full agreement to appoint the 2006 World Cup winner. The 47-year-old will be officially unveiled next week, with his primary mission clear: guide the Azzurri back to the FIFA World Cup in 2026 after years of international disappointment.
A Nation in Need of Revival
Italy’s recent international record has been a rollercoaster. After winning UEFA Euro 2020, the Azzurri failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 FIFA World Cups, and their Euro 2024 campaign ended in the Round of 16. The final blow came earlier this month when Italy suffered a shocking 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier—prompting the dismissal of head coach Luciano Spalletti.
Gattuso now inherits a squad rich in talent but low on confidence, with Italy currently trailing Norway in Group I and facing a steep climb to secure qualification.
Gattuso’s Journey: From Midfield Warrior to National Leader
A fierce competitor during his playing days, Gattuso earned 73 caps for Italy and was a key figure in their 2006 World Cup triumph. His managerial career has been nomadic but eventful, with stints at AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Marseille, and most recently Hajduk Split, where he finished third in Croatia’s top flight before parting ways by mutual consent.
His most notable achievement as a coach came in 2020, when he led Napoli to Coppa Italia glory, defeating Juventus in the final. While his managerial résumé lacks long-term stability, Gattuso is known for instilling grit, discipline, and emotional intensity—qualities Italy may desperately need.
The Road to World Cup 2026
Gattuso’s first competitive fixtures will come in September, with crucial qualifiers against Estonia and Israel. Italy currently sit nine points behind Norway but have two games in hand, meaning qualification is still within reach if momentum can be regained.
The FIGC has placed its faith in Gattuso’s leadership, with delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon—his former teammate—publicly backing the appointment: “Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. His professionalism and passion will be vital as we face the challenges ahead,” Buffon told RAI
What Gattuso Must Fix
Gattuso’s immediate priorities include:
- Rebuilding team morale after recent setbacks
- Establishing a consistent tactical identity, something Italy has lacked since Roberto Mancini’s departure
- Integrating emerging talents like Riccardo Calafiori, Andrea Cambiaso, and Mateo Retegui into the senior setup
- Restoring Italy’s competitive edge in high-stakes matches
Final Thoughts
Gennaro Gattuso’s appointment marks a bold new chapter for Italian football. While questions remain about his tactical acumen at the international level, his passion, experience, and deep connection to the Azzurri shirt could be the spark Italy needs to return to the world stage.
With the 2026 World Cup looming, the pressure is immense—but so is the opportunity. For Gattuso and Italy, redemption begins now.
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