Gennaro Gattuso is the new favorite to replace Luciano Spalletti as Italy’s head coach.
Spalletti left his role as CT after the Azzurri beat Moldova 2-0 in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Monday. Giacomo Raspadori and Andrea Cambiaso scored the decisive goals in Reggio Emilia.
Spalletti had been with the national side since September 2023. The former Napoli boss won 12 of his 24 games in charge. His departure was announced after the 3-0 humbling by Norway on Friday.
🚨🇮🇹 Gennaro Gattuso is in pole position to become the new manager of Italy, reports @DiMarzio! pic.twitter.com/Sc2YR8oWSi
— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) June 10, 2025
Why Did Luciano Spalletti Quit Italy?
Many supporters will still be wondering why has Spalletti left Italy? He most recently led Napoli to the Scudetto in 2022-23 before taking over the national side.
The 66-year-old has endured a difficult team with the Azzurri. A poor Euro 2024 campaign followed up by the disastrous 3-0 defeat in Oslo appeared to have sealed his fate.
Spalletti confirmed he didn’t walk out on his staff and players. Instead, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) relieved him of his duties.
“I was told by President [Gabriele] Gravina that I would no longer be coach,” Spalletti confirmed. “I had no intention of giving up. Especially when things aren’t going well, I prefer to stay in my place.”
Why Did Claudio Ranieri Reject The Azzurri Role?
On Tuesday, it was reported that Claudio Ranieri turned down the Italy job to focus on his commitments to Roma. The 73-year-old was reportedly favored by the FIGC President Gabriele Gravina.
However, Ranieri will resume his role with the Giallorossi after rejecting the position of becoming the new Azzurri head coach. It’s understood he’ll be an adviser to new boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
It’s reported that Ranieri could have held both jobs simultaneously. Nonetheless, this was of no interest to him and he went on to explain his reasoning via ANSA.
“I thank President Gravina for the opportunity; it’s a great honour. However, I have reflected and decided to remain fully committed to my new role at Roma,” Ranieri said.
“The Friedkins gave me full support, backing me regardless of any decision I could make about the national team; this decision is mine.”
Will Gennaro Gattuso Manage The Italian National Side?
A flurry of bets have already been taken on the best offshore sportsbooks for Gennaro Gattuso to become the new Italy head coach. However, will he actually obtain the role?
Gattuso is certainly the leading contender and he has reportedly already been in contact with the FIGC about the vacant position.
As a highly respected former Azzurri star and 2006 FIFA World Cup winner, Gattuso would certainly command the respect of the current roster.
That despite his fairly topsy-tuvy managerial career. His only trophy as a head coach came in 2019-20 when he won the Coppa Italia whilst in charge of Napoli.
Gattuso has also been in the dugout at Milan – who he also played for – Valencia, Marseille and Hadjuk Split. He only quit the former this month which does imply he could take the reins of the national side.
The likes of Roberto Mancini, Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi have also been mentioned for the role. However, Gattuso remains in pole position to be given the job.
What Is Gennaro Gattuso’s Managerial Style?
As a player, Gennaro Gattuso was a hugely fiery and passionate character. On the field, he’d never shy away from a tackle or confrontation.
His managerial characteristics and style almost echoes those attributes. Gattuso demands 100% from his players at all times and places importance on his side having a fighting mentality.
In terms of formations and style of play, Gattuso has been known to adopt a 4-3-3, 3-4-3 or the more modernized 4-2-3-1 lineup. He was primarily a defensive player and likes his side to play out from the back and then attack.
His teams are also known for their intensity and teamwork when not in possession. Gattuso is also known for trying to implement a positive atmosphere in the changing room and has been known to be humorous with his roster.
