Gennaro Gattuso is set to meet with Italy national team manager Gigi Buffon this evening and is expected to agree to take over the Nazionale job on Thursday.
According to Sportitalia journalist Michele Criscitiello, Gattuso is in Rome for discussions with his former Azzurri teammate and 2006 World Cup winner, Buffon.
The former goalkeeper was authorized to lead the talks to determine if Rino is the right fit for the role ahead of the September 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The meeting was positive, paving the way for a decisive discussion with FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, scheduled for tomorrow morning in Rome.
Gattuso to lead Italy after Spalletti`s departure.
Italy is in need of a new coach after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed following the 3-0 defeat to Norway, despite him staying in his position to see out the final match, a 2-0 win against Moldova on Monday.
Claudio Ranieri had also been offered the role, but he had already committed to staying at Roma as a special advisor.
Gattuso was a free agent, having left Croatian club HNK Hajduk Split by mutual consent earlier this week.
