Italy appointed 2006 FIFA World Cup-winning legend Gennaro Gattuso as their head coach following the exit of Luciano Spalletti, who was sacked last week after a 0-3 defeat to Norway in a World Cup qualifier.

Gattuso, who previously managed AC Milan and Napoli, will be formally introduced as head coach on Thursday at Rome’s Parco dei Principi hotel, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) said on Sunday.

“Gattuso is a symbol of Italian football – the blue jersey is like a second skin for him. His motivations, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the upcoming commitments of the National Team," FIGC president Gabriele Gravina said in a statement.

“Aware of the importance of the objective we want to achieve, I thank him for the availability and total dedication with which he has received this challenge, sharing the FIGC project for the overall development of our football, in which the blue jersey plays a strategic central role," Gravina added.

Spalletti left the Italy job after overseeing his final match — a 2-0 victory against Moldova.

Gattuso, who guided Napoli to Coppa Italia victory in 2020, has an uphill task ahead. He must help Italy qualify for the 2026 World Cup after they missed out on the last two editions of the tournament.

The 47-year-old has reportedly been given a one-year contract, with the possibility of an extension if Italy qualify for the World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Gattuso played 73 matches for Italy and was part of the 2006 World Cup-winning team. His most recent coaching stint was with Hajduk Split, a Croatian club. He left the club by mutual consent after they finished third in the country’s top-flight league.

Gattuso was chosen for the top job after Claudio Ranieri — the most preferred candidate — refused to accept the offer. Ranieri is currently working as a senior adviser at AS Roma.

Italy are currently struggling in third place in World Cup qualifying Group I. They will play their next match against Estonia in Bergamo on September 5 before taking on Israel in Hungary three days later.

Gattuso's coaching career began in 2013 as a player-coach at Swiss club Sion, where he ended his playing days after 13 seasons with AC Milan. However, he was shown the door after winning just two of his 10 league games in charge.

Over a 12-year coaching journey, Gattuso has managed nine clubs, including AC Milan, the Spanish side Valencia, and a brief stint with France's Marseille.