Italy have a new man at the helm - Gennaro Gattuso has been officially named as the next head coach of the Azzurri, following confirmation from national team manager Gianluigi Buffon.

The managerial seat became vacant after Luciano Spalletti stepped down in the wake of a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Norway, a result that sent shockwaves through Italian football and prompted swift action from the FIGC (Italian Football Federation).

"We've done our job, and now we’re finalizing the last contractual details," Buffon told RAI Sport. "It’s been a hectic few days for the president and the Federation, full of tough choices. But I believe we’ve made the best possible decision."

Gattuso edged out high-profile contenders including Stefano Pioli, Daniele De Rossi, and Fabio Cannavaro, ultimately earning the trust of Italian football officials with his passionate, no-nonsense approach to the game - traits he famously embodied as a player.

"What matters most is avoiding performances that bring shame to Italy," Buffon added bluntly. "There are different ways to lose, but we can steer clear of the worst-case scenario with just a few key adjustments."

Gattuso’s first challenge as Italy boss will come in the upcoming international window, as the Azzurri are set to face Estonia on September 5 and Israel on September 8 - fixtures that now carry added weight with a new era beginning.