‘A symbol of Italian football’: Azzurri appoint Gennaro Gattuso as head coach

Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new head coach of the Italian national football team, as confirmed by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Sunday. This decision comes following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti, who was let go after the Azzurri suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifying match. Gattuso's formal introduction is scheduled for Thursday at the Parco dei Principi hotel in Rome, where he will step into the role with the aim of revitalizing the national team ahead of crucial upcoming matches. Gabriele Gravina, the president of the FIGC, expressed confidence in Gattuso's appointment, highlighting the coach's connection to Italian football and his extensive experience in the sport. Gravina stated that Gattuso embodies the spirit of Italian football, noting that the blue jersey represents a significant part of his identity as a player and coach.

At 47 years old, Gattuso brings a wealth of experience to the position, having made 73 appearances for Italy and being a key member of the squad that won the 2006 FIFA World Cup. His most recent managerial role was with Hajduk Split in Croatia, where he parted ways with the club by mutual consent after leading the team to a third-place finish in the league. Gattuso's passion for the game and his deep understanding of Italian football are expected to be vital as he takes on the challenge of guiding the national team through the upcoming qualifiers. The FIGC is hopeful that Gattuso's leadership will inspire the players and restore confidence in the team as they seek to secure their place in future international competitions.