In a surprise twist, former AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso has emerged as the leading candidate to become the new head coach of the Italian national team.

The managerial seat was left vacant on Sunday after Luciano Spalletti stepped down following Italy’s humiliating 3–0 defeat to Norway — a result that sent shockwaves through the Italian football community.

Sources close to the situation have confirmed that Gattuso spent all of yesterday in talks with Gianluigi Buffon, the Squadra Azzurra’s team delegation chief and one of the most influential figures in the FIGC setup.

A decisive meeting is scheduled for today between Gattuso and top officials from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which could pave the way for his formal appointment.

Gattuso is currently out of work after a disappointing stint with HNK Hajduk Split, where he finished third in the Croatian league last season — a campaign that fell well short of expectations.

Stefano Pioli, who recently parted ways with AC Milan, also remains a free agent and could yet enter the frame. But for now, all signs point to Gattuso making a dramatic return to the Azzurri setup — this time, not as a midfield warrior, but as the man tasked with rebuilding the national team.