• Gennaro Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti as Italy's national team manager.
• The former midfielder aims to revive Italy's World Cup qualifying hopes.
• Gattuso is set to lead Italy into the 2026 World Cup after they missed the last two tournaments.
• He will be formally introduced at a media conference on Thursday.
• FIGC president emphasizes Gattuso's dedication and experience as crucial for the team.

Former AC Milan and Napoli midfielder Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new manager of Italy's national team, following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti after a 3-0 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier. Gattuso's appointment comes as Italy seeks to revive its chances in World Cup qualifying efforts, having not qualified for the last two tournaments, including the upcoming 2026 edition co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, according to channelnewsasia and BBC.

Gattuso, who has made 73 appearances for Italy and was part of the squad that won the World Cup in 2006, has been widely regarded as a symbol of Italian football. FIGC President Gabriele Gravina highlighted Gattuso’s “motivations, professionalism, and experience” as key attributes that would be vital for facing the national team's upcoming challenges, according to africanews and channelnewsasia.

Gattuso has previously coached several clubs, including a successful period at Napoli where he lifted the Coppa Italia title in 2020. His coaching career has been varied, involving stints at AC Milan, Valencia, and a brief time at Olympique de Marseille, as noted by channelnewsasia and BBC.

The FIGC previously had Claudio Ranieri at the top of their list for the managerial position; however, he declined the offer to focus on his senior advisor role at AS Roma. Gattuso, who has now accepted the challenge, will lead Italy in their quest for a qualifying spot, starting with a home match against Estonia on September 5, reports africanews and channelnewsasia.