Gattuso is Italy’s New Football Coach After Norway Defeat

June 16, 2025 - Who better to talk about the pride and joy of playing for your country in the World Cup than a player who has already experienced it?

With this in mind, Italy has appointed Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national football team. The four-time World Cup champions are worried about their spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. They had failed to qualify for both the 2018 and 2022 editions. To avoid missing a third World Cup in a row, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has chosen 2006 World Cup winner Gattuso as part of their plan to rebuild and move forward.

Italy’s Tough Qualifying Group

Italy is in Group I of the 2026 World Cup European qualifiers. Only the group winner will earn direct entry to the World Cup, while the runner-up must go through the play-offs. Norway leads Group I with 12 points from four matches. Israel sits second with 6 points from three games. Italy is in third place, having won just one of their two matches for 3 points.

Coaching Change After Norway Defeat

Following a 3-0 loss to Norway last week, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) decided to part ways with coach Luciano Spalletti. Despite that defeat, Spalletti stayed on for Monday’s match against Malta, which Italy won 2-0. Still, Italy faces pressure: six games remain, and to top the group, they must win every match - and hope Norway drops points.

Gattuso Takes the Helm

To navigate this uphill battle, FIGC has appointed 2006 World Cup winner Gattuso as head coach. The 47-year-old midfielder earned 73 caps for Italy between 2000 and 2010 and started every game in his nation’s 2006 World Cup triumph. He even made the tournament’s all-star XI.

Gattuso’s Coaching Record

Since retiring as a player, Gattuso has managed nine clubs in 12 years, including AC Milan, Valencia, Marseille, and most recently Hajduk Split in Croatia. Over 376 matches as a coach, he holds a 42.8 percent win rate, with 161 wins, 108 draws, and 107 losses. Italy’s next qualifier is against Estonia on September 5. With Gattuso in charge, they’ll need perfect form to climb the group and keep their World Cup hopes alive.