Former footballer Gennaro Gattuso has been handed the reins of the Italian soccer workforce after the nationwide federation sacked Luciano Spalletti earlier this month. The previous midfielder, who made a reputation for himself for his hard-tackles, should steer the Italian workforce’s ship out of uneven waters as they search to qualify for the FIFA World Cup. It’s a job made a lot more durable by Italy being handed a 0-3 thumping by Norway.
Italy path Norway by 9 factors of their FIFA World Cup qualifying group. To their credit score, they’ve performed two matches fewer than the group leaders rom Scandinavia. After the defeat to Norway, Italy had managed to beat Moldova 2-0. However that recreation turned out to be Spalletti’s ultimate match in cost with the nationwide workforce.
The Italians have gained the FIFA World Cup 4 occasions in historical past of the competitors, however have didn’t qualify for the final two editions.
“Gattuso is an emblem of Italian soccer, the blue shirt is sort of a second pores and skin for him,” Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina stated. “His motivation, his professionalism and his expertise will likely be basic to finest face the nationwide workforce’s subsequent matches. Conscious of the significance of the target we wish to obtain, I thank him for the willingness and complete dedication with which he accepted this problem.”
The Italian federation stated that the coach will likely be “introduced formally on Thursday, 19 June, at Lodge Parco dei Principi in Rome.”
The 47-year-old Gattuso has made 73 appearances for Italy. He was a member of the 2006 World Cup-winning squad, one of many 4 occasions the nation gained probably the most prestigious trophy in soccer. Till not too long ago, he was on the helm at Croatia’s Hajduk Break up. He left the membership by mutual consent, after a third-placed end within the Croatian high flight. Gattuso has in depth expertise of teaching in soccer golf equipment like AC Milan, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille, amongst others.
It should be famous that Gattuso’s solely trophy as a coach was the Italian Cup title he claimed whereas on the helm in Napoli in 2010.
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The Related Press reported that Gattuso was not the Italian federation’s first selection to interchange Spalletti. That will be Claudio Ranieri, who turned down the provide.
Gattuso’s first match as Italy coach will likely be at dwelling to Estonia on September 5.
(With inputs from AP, Reuters)