Bringing Back the Pride: Gattuso Takes Up the Nation's Challenges as Italy's National Coach
Italy faces a challenging period, with Gattuso tasked to pull the national team from the current gloom.
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In the shadows of Italy's football past, Gennaro Gattuso steps up as the symbol of hope. The 2006 World Cup triumphant is Italy's new coach for the Squadra Azzurra, tasked with restoring Italian football's glory ahead of the 2026 World Cup USA, Canada, and Mexico extravaganza.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced Gattuso's appointment, following days of murmurs in mainstream media about the former midfielder's potential role.
"Gattuso embodies the spirit of Italian football," President Gabriele Gravina commented on the 47-year-old icon of blue jersey: "Football feels like a second skin to him." Gianluigi Buffon, a fellow World Cup hero and current coordinator of the national team, previously hailed Gattuso as the "ideal choice."
Italy, currently struggling in the qualifiers, hopes Gattuso can steer them back to the pinnacle of world football. They've missed out on the previous two World Cups and are currently third in Group I, with just three points, trailing behind Norway (12) and Israel (6), who have played two and one more games, respectively. Only the group winner qualifies directly for the World Cup, with the runner-up progressing to the playoffs.
Making a Comeback: Italy's Resurgence Bid
Gravina lauded Gattuso's inspiration, dedication, and vast experience as vital components needed to address the national team's upcoming challenges. FIGC will present Gattuso in his new role on June 19 in Rome.
Rumors surrounding Gattuso's appointment have been circulating for days. Out of work since his stint at Hajduk Split ended earlier this month, Gattuso previous coaching credits include AC Milan, SSC Napoli, Valencia, and Marseille. Reports suggest a one-year deal for Gattuso.
Claudio Ranieri, initially favored for the role, declined the offer, while other names from the 2006 World Cup victors, including Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi, were also mentioned.
"We always regroup after the tough times, focusing on the tasks at hand, the players, and the coaches," Buffon explained the selection process, demanding a homegrown coach for the job.
Source: ntv.de, dpa
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- Reason to Believe
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Having played 73 games for Italy, Gennaro Gattuso, the 47-year-old coach, is best known for leading the country to victory in the 2006 World Cup. In his coaching career, he's built an impressive CV, including stints at Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Fiorentina, and most recently Hajduk Split. While Gattuso has only one major trophy (Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2019-20), he earned a third-place finish in Croatia's top flight with Hajduk Split before leaving the club by mutual consent. The upcoming World Cup qualifiers find the team struggling, having only managed three points after two matches, with trails behind Norway (12) and Israel (6), yet Gattuso's arrival offers new hope for a resurgent Italy.
Community policy should be updated to include a section on the employment policy for sports coaches, such as Gennaro Gattuso, to ensure a fair and transparent process for appointing national team coaches. During his tenure as Italy's national coach, Gattuso can use his passion for football, particularly his love for football as embodied by the Italian community, to motivate the players and inspire a resurgence in the Italian football scene, similar to the success he experienced as a player during the 2006 World Cup.
