Italy appoint Gennaro Gattuso! Controversial ex-Milan star tasked with rescuing Italy's World Cup qualifying campaign as Azzuri run risk of missing out on 2026 competition

Italy have confirmed the appointment of former AC Milan midfielder Gattuso as their new manager after Spalletti was sacked last week. The 2006 World Cup winner has had a range of eclectic managerial jobs around Europe but has now been tasked with making sure the Azzurri don't suffer any more qualifying heartache and reach the 2026 World Cup.

Spalletti announced he had been relieved of his duties after a 3-0 defeat to Norway, which left them nine points behind Erling Haaland's side in Group I qualifying, albeit having played two games fewer. Before their victory over Moldova in Spalletti's last match in charge, Italy had endured a four-game winless run and attracted criticism for a lifeless display in the Norway defeat.

Confirming Gattuso's appointment, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said: "Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football, the shirt is like his second skin.

"His motivations, professionalism and experience will be fundamental in taking on the next challenges of the national team. He knows the importance of our objectives and I thank him for his readiness and dedication in accepting this challenge. He shares the FIGC's project of the development of our football, in which the Azzurri shirt is a central part."

Since retiring as a player, Gattuso has had managerial stints with Milan, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille. He most recently left Croatian outfit Hajduk Split after finishing third in the country's top flight.

Gattuso has most of the summer to ponder his first Italy squad. Their next set of matches aren't until September, when they will take on Estonia and Israel in two World Cup qualifiers.