Gattuso named Italy coach following Spalletti's exit

BEIJING, June 15 (Xinhua) -- Former AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed head coach of Italy's national football team, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Sunday, just days after Luciano Spalletti's departure.

Spalletti had taken charge of the Azzurri in August 2023 on a reported three-year deal, but resigned following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a 3-0 loss to Norway in Italy's opening 2026 World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

At a press conference prior to Italy's second qualifier against Moldova, Spalletti announced he would step down after the match, despite Italy bouncing back with a 2-0 win.

Gattuso, 47, spent the majority of his playing career with AC Milan, where he helped the Rossoneri to two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League crowns. He was also part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad.

Since hanging up his boots in 2013, Gattuso has coached the likes of AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille, and most recently spent the 2024/25 at the helm of Croatian side Hajduk Split.

Italy currently sits third in World Cup Qualifying Group I with three points from two matches, while Norway leads the group with four straight wins.

Only group winners from UEFA's qualifiers will book direct spots to the 2026 tournament. Second-place teams will enter a playoff round - a scenario that has haunted Italy in recent years, with the Azzurri missing the last two World Cups after playoff defeats. ■