Italy have appointed former midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their new head coach.
The AC Milan icon succeeds Luciano Spalletti, who announced his departure during a news conference last week.
Gattuso, 47, earned 73 caps for Italy and was part of the squad that lifted the 2006 World Cup.
He now takes charge as the Azzurri prepare to return to the tournament two decades later.
Despite winning Euro 2020, Italy missed out on last summer’s European Championship and have also failed to qualify for the last two World Cups.
A 3-0 defeat to Norway in World Cup qualifying on June 6 ultimately led to Spalletti’s dismissal.
The Italian football federation (FIGC) confirmed that Gattuso will be officially unveiled to the media on Thursday.
“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina. “The blue shirt is like a second skin for him. His motivation, professionalism, and experience will be crucial as we face the challenges ahead.”
