Gennaro Gattuso said Italy “have what it takes” to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as he was officially presented as the new Azzurri head coach in Rome on Thursday.
The former midfielder replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed following Italy’s 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening qualifier — a result that leaves the team in danger of missing their third consecutive World Cup.
“The national team shirt is heavy, but the word fear must not exist,” Gattuso told reporters. “We have a team that is good enough to go to the World Cup.”
Gattuso, 47, emphasised unity, mentality and enthusiasm over tactics as he outlined his priorities for rebuilding the squad’s spirit after recent disappointments.
“We need to restore enthusiasm and the desire to be together, to be united in difficult times,” he said. “Technique and tactics come after — now we need to get back to being a team. The most important thing is being a family.”
The Azzurri’s heavy loss in Norway makes direct qualification unlikely. In both the 2018 and 2022 campaigns, Italy finished second in their group before falling in the play-offs.
“Getting us back to the World Cup is fundamental for our football movement,” said Gattuso, who was part of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning side. “A difficult job awaits me, but nothing in life is easy.”
He also rejected claims that Italian football lacks talent. “The players are there,” he said. “We need to put them in the right conditions to give their best.”
Describing his appointment as “a dream come true,” Gattuso said he was ready for the challenge. “There is little to talk about and so much to work on.”
