Buffon confirms Gattuso for Italy: ‘The best possible decision’

GELSENKIRCHEN, GERMANY – JUNE 20: Gianluigi Buffon, National Team Delegation Head of Italy, looks on prior to the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between Spain and Italy at Arena AufSchalke on June 20, 2024 in Gelsenkirchen, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Italy team manager Gigi Buffon confirms they will appoint Gennaro Gattuso as the new coach. ‘We made the best possible decision.’

The Azzurri were without a tactician after sacking Luciano Spalletti in the wake of the 3-0 defeat to Norway, though he remained on the bench for the 2-0 victory over Norway.

“We worked, we are waiting for the final details now,” Buffon told RAI Sport.

“The President and the Federation had some pretty full days full of various moments. I think at the end of the day we made the best possible decision.”

Gattuso will be the new Italy coach

BRIGHTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images) — BRIGHTON, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 14: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Marseille, looks on prior to the UEFA Europa League match between Brighton & Hove Albion v Olympique de Marseille at American Express Community Stadium on December 14, 2023 in Brighton, England. (Photo by Bryn Lennon/Getty Images)

The first choice had been Claudio Ranieri, but he had already made a commitment to be Roma special advisor and announced his retirement from coaching.

Although there were candidates including Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi and Fabio Cannavaro, it quickly became apparent that Gattuso was the favourite.

There were meetings with Buffon and then with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to organise the details of the contract.

Reggio nel Emilia, Italy - June 09: (LR) Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Italy and Gianluigi Buffon During the Fifa 2026 Qualifier Bethaeen Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium - Città del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio in Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images) — Reggio nel Emilia, Italy – June 09: (LR) Luciano Spalletti Head Coach of Italy and Gianluigi Buffon During the Fifa 2026 Qualifier Bethaeen Italy and Moldova at Mapei Stadium – Città del Tricolore on June 09, 2025 in Reggio in Emilia, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

“We are trying to push ourselves first and foremost, but the most important thing is that we avoid embarrassing performances that are unworthy of Italy,” added Buffon.

“There are different ways to lose and I think we can avoid the worst kind with a few minor adjustments.”

The Nazionale are back in action with another 2026 World Cup qualifier against Estonia on September 5, then Israel on September 8.