By Marta Elena Casanova
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After yet another failure — a clear defeat in Norway that compromised qualification for the upcoming World Cup in the United States — Luciano Spalletti was dismissed. The FIGC, led by Gabriele Gravina, responded with a controversial choice: appointing Gennaro Gattuso as head coach of the national team. A strong, symbolic decision. And like all symbolic moves, inevitably divisive.
Gattuso, Lippi, and the 2006 Model
During his unveiling at Coverciano, Gattuso was clear: his reference model is Marcello Lippi. The coach who led Italy to the 2006 World Cup title — a man who managed to build a winning group based on identity and collective spirit. It’s no coincidence that Gattuso is now surrounded by former world champions like Zambrotta, Barzagli, Bonucci, and Perrotta. The FIGC is clearly trying to recreate a “2006 atmosphere,” a sense of family, belonging, and Azzurri pride.
But the question is inevitable: is this enough to relaunch a wounded national team? Bringing back past heroes carries undeniable emotional weight. But there’s a difference between honoring the past and building the future. Today’s Italy is not the Italy of 2006. The technical landscape, the level of competition, tactical demands, and youth structures have all changed drastically.
The legitimate doubt many are raising is whether this move is rooted in a coherent project — or is it simply a reactionary response? Can you rebuild a modern national team by leaning entirely on the past? Or is something more needed?
Gattuso at the U21 Euros: A Signal?
A sign of future intentions came with Gattuso’s presence in the stands during the Italy-Germany match at the U21 European Championship. A match that sadly marked Italy’s elimination just minutes before the penalty shootout — but also a valuable chance to observe the potential stars of tomorrow.
After the game, U21 coach Carmine Nunziata stated, with clarity and bitterness: “I hope these boys can find space in their clubs, because without continuity, they cannot grow.” A hope — but also a veiled criticism of a system that does not protect its own talents.
Youth Development and the Problem of Turnover
The national team’s crisis starts here. The talent exists — what’s missing are the conditions to turn them into complete players. Youth development is no longer central to club strategies. The big Serie A teams rarely give stable opportunities to Italian youngsters. And those who do emerge often succeed not thanks to the system — but in spite of it.
Unless this trend is reversed, unless a real support network is built to guide young players through the transition to professional football, every technical project will risk collapse. Gattuso, who has already called up over 30 players in his first training camp, will have to choose between experience and the next generation. But without a healthy ecosystem behind them, even the best coach can’t work miracles.
A National Team That Can No Longer Fail
Italy has won four World Cups. It is the second-most successful national team in history. But it hasn’t played in a World Cup since 2014 — and now risks missing out on 2026. That would be the third straight absence: a sporting disgrace no structurally sound football nation can afford.
And it’s not just a matter of pride: it’s financial too. The FIGC estimates that missing the 2022 World Cup in Qatar cost over 10 million euros in FIFA prizes, TV rights, and sponsorships. Another exclusion would deal a massive blow economically as well, with ripple effects across the entire Italian football system — from youth sectors to Serie C. Missing another World Cup could also mean losing relevance among young fans increasingly drawn to English or Spanish football.
Gattuso is a strong, direct, authentic figure. The emotional pull of 2006 can bring energy — but it cannot be the core of the project. What’s needed are ideas, structure, and a forward-looking vision. His presence at the U21 Euros sent a clear message, but it must be followed by structural reforms.
Italy needs to be competitive again — but above all, credible. And to achieve that, nostalgia and big names won’t be enough. What’s needed is construction, patience, and most importantly, courage: the courage to truly invest in young talent. Not just in words — but in deeds.
By Marta Elena Casanova
