Less than three months after leaving the Italy national team, Gennaro Gattuso has already found a new challenge. The former World Cup-winning midfielder has been appointed head coach of Lazio, becoming the latest man tasked with restoring the Roman club to the upper reaches of Serie A.
The move comes after a disappointing campaign that prompted Lazio's hierarchy to make significant changes ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Lazio Turn to Former Italy Boss
Lazio officially announced Gattuso's arrival following the departure of Maurizio Sarri.
The club endured a frustrating season, finishing only ninth in Serie A and falling 2-0 to Inter in the Coppa Italia final. Missing out on their major objectives convinced the board that a fresh approach was needed.
In a statement confirming the appointment, Lazio expressed confidence that Gattuso's experience, determination and leadership qualities can help guide the team back toward its ambitions.
Difficult Spell With Italy Comes to an End
Gattuso arrives in Rome after a turbulent period with the national team.
His time in charge of Italy ended in April when the Azzurri failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after decider against Bosnia. The setback extended one of the most surprising streaks in international football, with Italy now set to miss a third consecutive World Cup.
The four-time world champions also failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar, despite having won UEFA Euro 2020 during that period.
Following Gattuso's departure, the national team has been led on an interim basis by Silvio Baldini while the Italian federation continues its search for a permanent replacement. Former European Championship-winning coach Roberto Mancini remains one of the names most frequently linked with the position.
A New Mission in Rome
The Lazio job marks another chapter in a coaching career that has already taken Gattuso across several clubs and leagues.
His biggest achievement to date remains winning the Coppa Italia with Napoli in 2020, a success that helped establish his reputation as one of Italy's most recognizable managers.
Now he faces a different challenge: rebuilding a Lazio side that dramatically underperformed last season and restoring belief among supporters.
Pressure to Deliver Results
Expectations at the Stadio Olimpico remain high despite last year's struggles.
The club's immediate objective is to return to the fight for European qualification and re-establish itself among Serie A's leading teams. Lazio executives believe Gattuso's intensity and winning mentality can help accelerate that process.
After a disappointing spell on the international stage, the 48-year-old now has an opportunity to rebuild his reputation and prove he can lead another ambitious project back to success.