Gennaro Gattuso leads the Italy men's national team into the final stages of preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Italy have failed to qualify for the previous two tournaments, last appearing at the finals in 2014. According to Reuters, the former midfielder took charge of the squad following a period of transition in Italian football. The team aims to secure its place in the tournament hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico this summer.
The Italian football federation appointed Gattuso to restore discipline to the national setup, per Sky Sports. Italy currently sit in a competitive position in their qualifying group as they seek to avoid a third consecutive absence from the world stage. Gattuso previously managed clubs including AC Milan, Napoli, and Valencia before taking the international role. The manager has focused on a defensive organisation that mimics the style he utilised during his playing career. Italy must navigate final fixtures to confirm their spot among the 48 teams competing in North America.
