“ We made the best possible decision ,” Buffon said of the Italian Football Federation’s appointment of former AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Azzurri.

“ We have been working and are now waiting for the final details ,” the Italy team chief added to RAI Sport.

Gennaro Gattuso EFE.jpg
Gattuso was chosen as the new head coach of the Italian national team but fans did not have much confidence. Photo: EFE

Buffon said Italy could lose the match, but needed to avoid embarrassing defeats that were unworthy of them. The legendary goalkeeper believes that some small adjustments could help them avoid that.

After being humiliated and absent from the last two World Cups , the Italian team caused confusion and worry for fans with a shocking 0-3 defeat to Norway in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Faced with the unacceptable danger of missing the third consecutive appointment, the Italian Football Federation immediately decided to fire coach Spalletti. The number 1 candidate chosen to 'rescue' the Azzurri was "welder" Ranieri, but he refused because he had accepted to be a special advisor for AS Roma.

Despite other candidates including Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi and Fabio Cannavaro, Gattuso was quickly chosen, after meetings with Buffon and Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina.

During his playing days, AC Milan legend Gattuso was known as a passionate player, with leadership ability but also very hot-tempered, not afraid of conflict. With a coaching career, having led many teams such as Milan, Napoli, Valencia, Marseille, ... but Gattuso did not create much buzz.

Luciano Spalletti IMAGO.jpg
Coach Spalletti lost his job after Italy lost 0-3 to Norway. Photo: IMAGO

The general reaction of many tifosi when hearing the news that Gattuso became the head coach of the Italian national team was skepticism amid concern for the team.

“ It’s a nightmare. I don’t think Gattuso is the right man to lead Italy ,” one person said. Another pointed to the bleak outlook: “ If Gattuso is appointed head coach, we won’t be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup. This is a real disaster .”

A third person pointed out Gattuso's ability: " President Gravina will make the wrong choice again. He needs to leave. Gattuso has not done anything remarkable in his coaching experience, and even let Napoli miss out on the C1 Cup ."

Some say the best solution for the Italian team right now is to bring coach Mancini back to take charge of the team again, after he unexpectedly left in 2023.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/gattuso-bi-phan-doi-khi-duoc-chon-lam-hlv-truong-tuyen-y-2411637.html