Emerging
Jun 23, 20262
79%
Gennaro Gattuso Appointed Lazio Coach After Italy's World Cup Failure
Former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has been appointed as the new head coach of Lazio, replacing Maurizio Sarri. The 48-year-old signed a reported two-year deal, returning to club management after resigning from the Italian national team in April following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Quick Facts
Who
Gennaro Gattuso
What
Gattuso appointed as Lazio head coach
When
Tuesday (June 23, 2026)
Where
Rome
- Gattuso appointed as Lazio head coach
- Gattuso resigned as Italy coach in April
- Italy failed to qualify for third consecutive World Cup
- Gattuso previously coached AC Milan and Napoli
- Gattuso won Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020
ROME (AP) — Former Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso was officially appointed as the new head coach of Serie A side Lazio on Tuesday, the club announced in a statement. The move comes just two months after Gattuso resigned from his role with the Italian national team following their failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
Lazio did not disclose the financial terms of the contract, but Italian media reported that the 48-year-old has signed a two-year deal. In its brief announcement, the club said it is confident that Gattuso's "experience, professionalism, and determination will contribute to achieving the club's sporting objectives." Gattuso replaces Maurizio Sarri, who left Lazio last month to take over as coach of Atalanta.
Gattuso previously coached AC Milan and Napoli in Serie A, winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020. He stepped down as Italy manager in April, days after the Azzurri failed to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup, marking the first time Italy has missed three consecutive tournaments.
The appointment marks a return to club management for Gattuso, who will now look to rebuild his coaching reputation with a Lazio side aiming to compete at the top of Italian football.
Topics
Why This Matters
Gattuso's appointment signals Lazio's intent to secure a top Serie A finish with an experienced, no-nonsense coach. For readers tracking Italian football management changes, this move could reshape the competitive balance among the league's top clubs, especially with Sarri moving to Atalanta. It also marks a pivotal moment for Gattuso to rebuild his coaching reputation after the national team setback.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 23, 2026
WireLazio officially announces Gennaro Gattuso as new head coach