Gattuso is 47 years old. He played 73 matches for Italy and was part of the team that won the 2006 World Cup.

FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said, “Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football. The blue jersey is like a second skin for him.”

He praised Gattuso’s passion, hard work, and experience. “I thank him for fully accepting this challenge,” he said.

Italy has missed the last two World Cups. They began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 3-0 loss to Norway.

Gattuso’s job now is to help Italy qualify for the 2026 tournament in North America.