Gennaro Gattuso is approaching his new job as the coach of an Italy squad in crisis with the same determination and combativeness that he used to display on the field as a gritty midfielder.

Gennaro Gattuso said Thursday he is convinced Italy can qualify for the World Cup as he begins his reign as Azzurri coach following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti.Italy are at risk of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup after a troubled start to their qualifying campaign which has left them nine points behind Group I leaders Norway and cost Spalletti his job.

Gennaro Gattuso said Thursday that Italy have what it takes to qualify for the 2026 World Cup as he was presented as the new Azzurri boss in Rome. Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked after Italy's 3-0 defeat in Norway in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier,