Gattuso named Lazio manager after Italy World Cup failure

Lazio announced Tuesday the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as head coach. The 48-year-old Italian assumes command of the Rome club following a disappointing spell with the Italian national team, which failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive edition.

The club confirmed the appointment through a brief statement on its website. "Lazio communicates that it has entrusted the position of head coach to Gennaro Gattuso. The club welcomes with satisfaction the new coach, in the conviction that his experience, professionalism and determination can contribute to achieving the club's sporting objectives," the statement said.

Gattuso's arrival ends weeks of speculation about who would take charge of Lazio for the upcoming season. The appointment comes approximately three months after Italy's defeat to Bosnia in World Cup qualifying and roughly 24 hours after Giovanni Malagò was elected as the new president of the Italian Football Federation.

The agreement had been in place for some time, but the official announcement came on the morning of June 23, during the 2026 World Cup tournament. Gattuso departs the national team role after an experience he described as ending poorly and takes over at Lazio, which completed a disappointing season under Maurizio Sarri's management.