Gattuso Laments World Cup Exit as Roberto Mancini Returns to Italy Role

Gennaro Gattuso described missing the 2026 World Cup as a lifelong wound following his departure from the national team in April.

Gennaro Gattuso secured a 1-0 victory for Lazio against Bologna in the Serie A season opener on Monday, marking his return to club management since signing in June. The former midfielder stepped down from his role as Italy head coach in April, just days after a playoff defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina. That loss ensured the Azzurri would miss their third consecutive men’s World Cup, a failure the 2006 World Cup winner described as a deep, lifelong wound. Gattuso’s tenure lasted 10 months, during which he stated the players gave their all before the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 tournament.

Mancini Reinstalled Following Coaching Search

Roberto Mancini, 61, officially returned to the national team helm in July. The FIGC opted for the former manager despite Lega Serie A president Ezio Maria Simonelli confirming that the league preferred Antonio Conte for the position. Conte previously managed the side from 2014 to 2016. Before Mancini was finalized, Andrea Pirlo emerged as the leading candidate to succeed Gattuso. However, Pirlo’s appointment was blocked due to concerns regarding his sponsorship agreement with Fonbet, a Russian betting firm. The federation also saw offers turned down by both Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola before revisiting their former coach.

Historical Context and European Success

Mancini previously led the Italian squad for five years between 2018 and 2023. His first stint was highlighted by winning the 2021 European Championship, which remains the last major trophy secured by the nation. Despite that continental success, his previous term included the failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Gattuso endorsed his successor on Monday, calling him a great manager with a wealth of experience who has already proven he can win with the national team. The former Lazio boss expressed that Italian football needs Mancini to succeed from the bottom of his heart.

Upcoming Nations League Fixtures

Italian football officials are now calling for unity behind the reappointed manager. Ezio Maria Simonelli stated that the goal is to restore the team to its deserved glory. Mancini’s second tenure will face its first major test on September 25 during a Nations League fixture against Belgium. This match serves as the start of a five-game stretch that Simonelli highlighted as crucial for the team’s trajectory. The federation is looking to move past the April resignation of Gattuso and the subsequent search that involved multiple high-profile coaching candidates.

During his Monday comments, Gattuso reflected on his brief international coaching spell as a period of ten wonderful months. He remains under contract with Lazio as he transitions back to the domestic league. Meanwhile, the national team prepares for the late September international break under the guidance of the man who led them to Euro 2020 glory. The decision by the FIGC to bypass the league's preference for Conte in favor of Mancini marks a significant shift in the direction of the Azzurri as they look toward future qualifications.