Gennaro Gattuso, former Italy national team coach, has taken over as manager of Serie A club Lazio as of June 23, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. He signed a two-year contract reportedly worth 1.5 million euros annually [3].
Gattuso, 48, left the Italy job after the national team failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup following a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia in the playoff round. He had won six of seven matches as Italy coach before that defeat [1, 2, 3]. Since his departure, Silvio Baldini has served as caretaker coach of Italy starting in April 2026 [1, 2]. Media reports have linked Roberto Mancini with a possible return to the Italy managerial role [1, 2].
Lazio parted ways with Maurizio Sarri in May after a disappointing season, finishing ninth in Serie A and losing the Italian Cup final to Inter Milan [1, 2, 3]. The club has faced unrest as fans protested and boycotted matches over dissatisfaction with owner Claudio Lotito during the past season [3].
Gattuso had previous success at Napoli, winning the Italian Cup title in 2020 [1, 2, 3]. As a player, he was a key figure for AC Milan for 13 years, winning two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies in 2003 and 2007 [3].
Lazio released a statement welcoming Gattuso, saying, "The club warmly welcomes its new manager and is confident that his experience, professionalism and determination will help the club achieve its sporting objectives" [1]. The club also announced his appointment in Chinese in a statement [3].
Gattuso’s appointment aims to rebuild Lazio’s fortunes after a difficult season, with preparations underway ahead of the new Serie A campaign.
