Gattuso Takes the Helm of the Italian National Team
Gennaro Gattuso, a midfield legend, has been appointed as the new coach of the Italian national team, as announced by the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This appointment comes after the departure of Luciano Spalletti. Gattuso, with 73 appearances for the Italian national team and a world champion in 2006, recently left the Croatian club Hajduk Split by mutual agreement, after finishing in third place in the country’s top category. Spalletti’s dismissal came after less than two years in the position. His last match in charge of the team was the 2-0 victory over Moldova on Monday. The day before, Spalletti had announced his own departure after the 3-0 defeat to Norway in the opening match of the World Cup qualifying phase.
The former midfielder will be formally presented as coach on Thursday at the Parco dei Principi Hotel in Rome. Former Chelsea and Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri said on Tuesday that he had turned down the Italy national team manager job. Ranieri led Roma to fifth place in Serie A last season and has taken on a senior advisor role at the club.“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football, the jersey is like his second skin. His motivations, professionalism and experience will be fundamental to face the next challenges of the national team. He knows the importance of our objectives and I thank him for his willingness and dedication to accept these challenges. He shares the FIGC’s project for the development of our football, in which the azzurra jersey is a fundamental part”.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the FIGC
“I would like to thank President Gravina for the opportunity, a great honor, but I have reflected and decided to remain at the disposal of Roma in my new position completely”.
Claudio Ranieri
