Gennaro Gattuso is increasingly seen as the leading candidate to become the next head coach of the Italian national team. It’s no secret that the FIGC has opened discussions with the 2006 World Cup winner as they look to replace Luciano Spalletti. While both sides are expected to reconvene soon, “Ringhio” appears to be the federation’s preferred choice — ahead of other contenders like Fabio Cannavaro and Daniele De Rossi. Claudio Ranieri’s unexpected rejection caught the Azzurri leadership off guard, but they remain determined to resolve the situation swiftly.
A first in-person meeting between delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon and Gattuso is scheduled for today, while a face-to-face with FIGC president Gabriele Gravina is expected on Friday, following several phone conversations in recent days. That meeting will be key to finalizing the details of an agreement that, for the most part, is already in place. Gattuso is expected to sign a one-year contract, with an extension option if Italy qualifies for the World Cup.
“There are no updates on the head coach yet. The only news is that we’re evaluating our options. We have a few days, and we intend to use them all. Beyond the names, we want to understand whether there’s a new vision or project,” said FIGC president Gabriele Gravina at the signing of a new protocol between the football federation and the Guardia di Finanza.
Gravina also commented on Spalletti’s departure: “It’s a deeply disappointing situation. Our world is driven by emotion, and I must be honest — I have a wonderful relationship with Luciano, which has only grown stronger in recent days. But when a bond that’s so tied to the day-to-day is broken, it’s painful. He was both a victim and a target of attacks,” he added.
