Summary
Italy's national football team, managed by Gennaro Gattuso, aims to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. Gattuso, appointed in 2025 after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed, faces a play-off match against Northern Ireland. Italy has not participated in the World Cup since 2014.
Key Facts
- Italy has not qualified for a World Cup since 2014.
- Gennaro Gattuso became Italy's manager in June 2025.
- Italy will play Northern Ireland in a World Cup play-off semi-final on March 26.
- If Italy wins, they face the winner of Wales vs. Bosnia-Herzegovina on March 31.
- Luciano Spalletti was sacked after Italy's last-16 finish at Euro 2024.
- Gattuso has managed 10 clubs in 12 years, with short tenures at each.
- Italy finished third in their World Cup qualifying group behind Norway.
- Gianluigi Buffon supports Gattuso's appointment as Italy's national team manager.
