Will Gennaro Gattuso Be the Right Choice for Italy Manager?

The Italian Football Federation’s decision to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as manager of the national team comes at a time of crisis.

After a humiliating 3-0 defeat to Norway and an underwhelming Euro 2024 campaign, that saw Italy eliminated by Switzerland in the last 16, a change was inevitable. Luciano Spalletti was shown the door, and now the responsibility of leading the Azzurri back to the World Cup - after two successive failures to qualify - falls to one of its most loved former players.

Gattuso will officially be unveiled as head coach this Thursday in Rome, before Italy resumes qualifying in September against Estonia and Israel. With the 2026 World Cup right around the corner, the Federation has taken a gamble that could either revive Italian football or worsen the current situation.

Gennaro Gattuso is the new First Team Head Coach 🇮🇹
Welcome back, Rino 👊#Azzurri #VivoAzzurro pic.twitter.com/H6oQZWJcca

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) June 15, 2025

A Symbol of Italian Football

For many fans, Gattuso is the embodiment of tenacity, fight, and commitment.

His playing career, especially with AC Milan and the Italian national team, made him a cult figure. He won two Champions League titles, two Serie A titles, and most famously, the 2006 World Cup. His midfield partnership with Andrea Pirlo came to be define Italian success in the 2000s, as Gattuso's workhorse mentality complemented Pirlo's elegance.

That experience on the international stage gives him a rare insight into what it takes to succeed with Italy. He knows the weight of the shirt, the pressure of the media, and the expectations of a demanding fanbase.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement:

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football - the blue jersey is like a second skin for him.”

"His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the National Team"

A Turbulent Coaching Career

While his playing CV is world class, Gattuso’s coaching career has been more questionable.

Italy is his 10th managerial post in just over a decade, a statistic that raises doubts over his consistency and long-term vision. After short-lived stints at clubs like Palermo, OFI Crete, Pisa, and Marseille, his only silverware has come with Napoli, when he won the Coppa Italia in 2020.

At Milan, he narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification, finishing one point short in 2019. His time at Valencia and Hajduk Split ended early, and a planned stint with Fiorentina was called off before it even began.

That said, Gattuso structures his teams for the attack, offering a more compelling approach than previous Italian managers. He typically favours a 4-3-3 setup, with high pressing and a possession-based approach - a contrast to the rugged, defensive way in which he played. If he can use this modern approach for the national team while implementing his iconic intensity, Azzurri fans could be in for a fun ride.

Energy and Heart

What Gattuso undeniably brings is energy. His emotional, volatile character is perhaps exactly what Italy needs right now: someone who can shake things up, reignite passion, and reconnect the squad with its fanbase.

Gattuso’s fiery personality has never been in doubt. From slapping Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the face during a Champions League match to head-butting Tottenham coach Joe Jordan after a heated exchange, his temper has occasionally landed him in trouble. But that same mentality could serve him well in the Italy dressing room, where authority and leadership are essential.

Players will know they are being led by someone who has worn the shirt with pride, who has lifted the World Cup, and who understands the weight of expectation that comes with playing for the Azzurri.

This is also not a squad lacking in quality. The likes of Nicolo Barella, Gianluigi Donnarumma, and Sandro Tonali are just a few of the world-class Italians you could pick out. But what Italy have lacked since their Euro 2020 triumph is cohesion, confidence, and a clear identity. Gattuso’s ability to inject intensity, discipline, and above all, heart, may be exactly what’s required to unite the dressing room and restore belief.

🎥 Gennaro #Gattuso 📐

The 5⃣th most capped midfielder in #Azzurri 🇮🇹 history with 7⃣3️⃣ appearances (joint with Antognoni)

🏆 World Cup winner at #Germany2006 🌍#AzzurriHeroes #VivoAzzurropic.twitter.com/gc7LLOa8Fy

— Italy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@Azzurri_En) May 6, 2020

Final Verdict

Gattuso is not a safe appointment, especially considering his mixed managerial record and general lack of silverware.

It is hard to imagine the Calabrian holding onto the position for several years, but he could be the perfect fit in the short-term. By injecting newfound energy into the team, Gattuso can guide Italy out of their current predicament and lead them to a World Cup where they will hope to make a decent run and prove the doubters wrong.