Italy’s Football Renaissance: Gattuso’s Reign Begins with Commanding Victory in World Cup Qualifying

A New Chapter for Italian Football

The Italian national football team entered a new era as legendary midfielder Gennaro Gattuso took charge of the Azzurri for the first time in a World Cup 2026 qualifier against Estonia in Bergamo. This appointment comes at a crucial time for Italian football, as the team has been working to rebuild following their shock failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with recent competitions showing mixed results.

Impressive Start Under New Leadership

The match resulted in an emphatic 5-0 victory for Italy, with Mateo Retegui scoring twice in what proved to be an excellent debut for the new manager. The current Italian squad represents an exciting blend of experienced veterans and rising stars, with players like Gianluigi Donnarumma, Federico Chiesa, and Nicolò Barella forming the backbone of the team, while emerging talents such as Riccardo Calafiori and Davide Frattesi represent the future.

World Cup Qualification Campaign

The victory has positioned Italy well in their qualification campaign, though they currently trail behind Israel and group leaders Norway. The team’s next challenge will be an away fixture against Israel in Debrecen. This recent performance suggests a positive trajectory for the team, especially considering their recent disappointments, including elimination from Euro 2024 in the round of 16 following a 2-0 loss to Switzerland, and the subsequent coaching change after a 3-0 defeat against Norway.

Looking Ahead

Italy’s football legacy extends far beyond trophies, embodying the tactical evolution of the game itself. Under Gattuso’s leadership, the team has already shown signs of renewed determination and grit, qualities that will be essential as they aim to restore their position among football’s elite nations and secure their place in the 2026 World Cup.