Gennaro Gattuso is approaching his new job as the coach of an Italy squad in crisis with the same determination and combativeness that he used to display on the field as a gritty midfielder.

Gennaro Gattuso said on Thursday he is convinced Italy can qualify for the World Cup as he begins his reign as Azzurri coach following the dismissal of Luciano Spalletti.

Gennaro Gattuso has been named Italy coach and is tasked with reviving the country’s already-flagging World Cup qualifying hopes.