It used to be that the coach of Italy's soccer team was someone who had a long list of managerial achievements and was nearer to the end of a career than the start.

Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was fired last week after Italy lost its opening qualifier 3-0 at Norway to spark fears that the four-time champion will fail to qualify for a third straight Wo

Italy appoint their 2006 World Cup-winning midfielder Gennaro Gattuso as their manager, replacing Luciano Spalletti.