Italy appoints Gennaro Gattuso new national football coach

Italy is set to appoint Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the national football team, succeeding Luciano Spalletti who was recently dismissed. Gattuso, a former midfielder with a fiery playing career and coaching experience at clubs like Napoli and AC Milan, is close to finalizing the deal with the Italian Football Federation, with official confirmation expected soon. Despite his achievements, including leading Napoli to a Coppa Italia title in 2020, Gattuso faces criticism from former teammate Riccardo Montolivo, who openly stated he does not respect Gattuso due to their difficult history at AC Milan. Montolivo's negative view stems from limited playing time under Gattuso's management, which contributed to Montolivo's retirement. The appointment signals a new chapter for Italy as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and other tournaments. The federation and head delegation, including Gianluigi Buffon, believe Gattuso is the best choice to lead the team forward.