Newcastle United star Sandro Tonali delighted as official statement confirms ‘incredible’ 2026 deal
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has turned to one of its most iconic warriors, appointing Gennaro Gattuso as the new head coach of the Azzurri in what promises to be an emotionally charged homecoming.
The fiery former midfielder, whose playing career embodied the very soul of Italian football, will be officially unveiled at Rome’s Hotel Parco dei Principi on June 19th, tasked with reviving the fortunes of a nation still smarting from recent tournament disappointments.
FIGC President Gabriele Gravina couldn’t contain his enthusiasm when announcing the appointment, describing Gattuso as a man who wears the national team colors “like a second skin.”
His words painted a picture of perfect symbiosis between coach and country: “His motivations, professionalism and experience will be fundamental in taking on the next challenges. He understands the weight of our objectives and shares our vision for Italian football’s future, where the Azzurri shirt remains central to everything.”
The reported one-year contract with an extension option contingent on World Cup qualification reveals the federation’s pragmatic approach.
They’ve chosen a leader whose very name conjures images of relentless determination – the scrappy midfielder who once marked Cristiano Ronaldo out of a Champions League tie through sheer force of will.
Gattuso’s transition from player to coach has seen him take the helm at Milan, Napoli, Valencia, and most recently Marseille, accumulating the varied experience that now brings him full circle to the national team dugout.
For Newcastle United’s Sandro Tonali, the appointment carries profound personal significance. The midfielder has long idolized Gattuso, modeling his all-action playing style after the man who became the beating heart of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad.
Tonali’s reverence shines through in his glowing tributes: “We’ve developed almost a friendship beyond the normal player-coach relationship. He scolds me when necessary because he demands excellence – that’s who he is. When Gattuso sets a target, he pursues it with everything he has.”
The young midfielder’s admiration extends beyond professional respect into deeply personal territory. “He played through pain, covered every blade of grass, and left his heart on the pitch every time,” Tonali reflects.
“To have met my idol, to learn from him – these are gifts I don’t take lightly. Matching his achievements seems impossible, but coming close would mean everything.” This mentor-protégé dynamic could prove pivotal for Italy’s midfield as Tonali emerges as a potential linchpin in Gattuso’s system.
Gattuso inherits a squad brimming with talent yet lacking the cohesive identity that defined Italy’s golden generations.
His challenge mirrors his playing style – straightforward yet demanding: instill the famous Italian grit while nurturing the technical qualities that have produced players like Nicolò Barella, Federico Chiesa, and Gianluigi Donnarumma.
The brief extends beyond results; he must reconnect the Azzurri with a public that expects nothing less than total commitment from those wearing the blue shirt.
As Italian football enters this new chapter, the appointment represents both a nod to tradition and a gamble on passion. Gattuso’s coaching CV lacks the glittering trophies of his playing days, but his understanding of Italian football’s soul is unquestioned.
In a nation where football operates as secular religion, the FIGC has chosen a high priest who worships at the altar of intensity. The coming months will reveal whether this most Italian of appointments can restore the Azzurri to their rightful place among football’s elite.
For players like Tonali, the opportunity to work under their idol represents a dream scenario. For Italian fans, it promises a return to those visceral qualities they hold dear – passion, pride, and that unmistakable Italian fighting spirit.
As Gattuso prepares to trade his tracksuit for a sharp suit on the Rome podium, one imagines he’ll approach this new challenge as he did every sliding tackle in his playing days – with uncompromising commitment and raw emotion. The beautiful game’s most famous gladiator is coming home.