Gennaro Gattuso named Lazio head coach

Former Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso, 48, has been appointed head coach of Serie A club S.S. Lazio. The club confirmed the hiring in June 2026, weeks after Gattuso resigned from the national team following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He succeeds Maurizio Sarri and signs a contract reported to be for one year with an option for a second, worth around €1.5 million per season.

Lazio finished the 2025‑26 season in ninth place and lost the Coppa Italia final to Inter, prompting a managerial change. The club’s statement highlighted Gattuso’s experience, professionalism and determination as key to achieving its sporting objectives and returning the team to European competition. A contract clause – dubbed the “Gila clause” – ties an automatic renewal to a top‑twelve league finish, sparking debate among fans and commentators about the club’s ambitions.

The appointment is expected to reshape Lazio’s strategy, with the new coach tasked with rebuilding the squad, improving performances and challenging for higher league positions in the coming season.