Gennaro Gattuso takes new role after fronting Italy’s World Cup disaster

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Gennaro Gattuso has returned to management for the first time since fronting Italy’s latest World Cup failure after being confirmed as Lazio’s new manager.

The 48-year-old was most recently in charge of the Italian national team, but stepped down from his role by mutual consent in April following their failure to qualify for the World Cup, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final.

His departure came a day after the Italian football federation (FIGC) ⁠president Gabriele Gravina resigned after overseeing two failed qualifying campaigns, with national team delegation head Gianluigi Buffon also stepping down from his role.

Former Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso (Mike Egerton/PA) (PA Wire)

Two months on from being part of that national humiliation, which saw Italy sports minister Andrea Abodi call for a major change in leadership in Italian football, Gattuso is back in the managerial hot seat at the Stadio Olimpico.

Speaking about Gattuso’s appointment, a statement on Lazio’s website said: “The club welcomes the new coach with satisfaction, believing that his experience, professionalism, and determination can contribute to the achievement of the club’s sporting goals.”

The former AC Milan midfielder has previously managed Milan, Napoli, Valencia and Marseille and was appointed Italy head coach in June 2025.

Last season, Lazio finished ninth in Serie A under Maurizio Sarri, who departed at the end of May.

Additional reporting from PA