Gianluigi Buffon has written to Luciano Spalletti to express his 'utmost respect' for the manager after he was sacked from his role as Italy boss.

Italy have confirmed Gennaro Gattuso will replace Luciano Spalletti as manager as the Azzurri aim to avoid failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Italy have finally managed to find a replacement for the sacked Luciano Spalletti, with former AC Milan boss Gennaro Gattuso set to take charge.

Gennaro Gattuso is reportedly in pole position to become Italy’s next head coach following Luciano Spalletti’s exit during World Cup qualifying.

Luciano Spalletti has been offered huge wages by Al-Nassr to replace current coach Stefano Pioli, who is set to leave Saudi Arabia to join Fiorentina.