Italy coach: Possible key day for Gattuso after five Buffon calls

Originally posted on Football Italia | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 5:25 AM ET

Gennaro Gattuso spoke with Italy Delegation Chief Gianluigi Buffon five times on Tuesday, and today could be key to the appointment of the former midfielder as the new Azzurri head coach.

Former Milan and Italy midfielder Gattuso, a 2006 World Cup winner with La Nazionale, is in line to replace Spalletti as Italy’s head coach.

Key date for Gattuso appointment as Italy coach

Sportitalia editor Michele Criscitiello has reported that today could be a key day for the appointment of the former midfielder.

Gattuso talks to Buffon over Italy role

On Tuesday, Gattuso spoke with Italy Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon, one of his fellow Italy teammates from 2006, five times over the phone.

Gattuso, a former Hajduk Split coach, is currently not in Italy, but is enjoying a few days off in Marbella.

His contract with the Italian national team would expire at the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Spalletti took charge of his last Italy game on Monday, beating Moldova 2-0. However, the previous 3-0 loss away to Norway proved costly for the ex-Azzurri boss.

This article first appeared on Football Italia and was syndicated with permission.

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