Gattuso Linked with Rangers Return Amid Italy Success

Italy manager Gennaro Gattuso has been urged to consider a sensational return to Rangers, the club where he made his mark as a young midfielder, as his reputation continues to soar with the Azzurri.

Gennaro Gattuso and the Rangers Connection

Gennaro Gattuso, currently leading the Italian national football team, has been at the center of speculation regarding a possible future role at Rangers FC. The 47-year-old, renowned for his fiery passion and leadership both as a player and a coach, spent a pivotal season at Rangers in 1997-98, which remains fondly remembered by fans at Ibrox.

Former Northern Ireland international Kyle Lafferty, who played under Gattuso at Palermo and shared the pitch with him at FC Sion, recently voiced his support for Gattuso to one day take charge at Rangers. In a statement reported by Sport Witness, Lafferty described Gattuso as a “great man” and emphasized the potential for a strong relationship between the Italian coach and the Scottish giants, given their shared history.

Italy Manager Gattuso: Ambitions on the International Stage

Since his appointment as Italy manager in June 2025, Gattuso has made an immediate impact, guiding his team to five wins from six matches. However, despite this strong start, Italy fell short against Norway, losing decisively to Erling Haaland’s side in a key group-stage clash. As a result, Italy will now face Northern Ireland in the World Cup play-off semi-final on March 26, 2026, with hopes of progressing to a final against either Wales or Bosnia & Herzegovina.

Gattuso’s mission is clear: return Italy to the World Cup finals, a stage they have missed since their group-stage exit at Brazil 2014. Notably, Italy has not progressed to the tournament’s knockout stages since their 2006 triumph—with Gattuso himself as a key player.

Gattuso’s Managerial Journey: From Club Success to National Duty

Gattuso’s managerial career before taking the Italy job was marked by stints with nine different clubs, including high-profile positions at AC Milan and Napoli. His transition to international management represented a new challenge, one he welcomed after the departure of Luciano Spalletti.

Upon his appointment, Gattuso described the Italy role as a dream realized, stating his determination to restore the nation’s footballing pride. “The goal is to go back to the World Cup. It’s fundamental for us and Italian football,” he said, underlining his belief in the talent and potential of his squad.

Could Gattuso Be the Next Rangers Manager?

While Gattuso remains fully focused on Italy’s World Cup qualification campaign, speculation about his future remains. The recent appointment of Danny Rohl as Rangers boss, following the dismissal of Russell Martin, means there is no current vacancy at Ibrox. Nonetheless, the prospect of Gattuso returning to manage Rangers continues to excite supporters and former colleagues alike.

Lafferty added, “Given his past at Glasgow Rangers, I hope to see him lead them one day. I’m convinced the relationship between him and the Scottish club would be excellent.”

Rebuilding Italian Football: Gattuso’s Vision

Gattuso has emphasized the importance of rebuilding team spirit and national pride within the Italy camp. “We need to rediscover enthusiasm and stop thinking negatively. Creating a family is the most important thing,” he explained, stressing the need for unity over individual stardom. His focus on fostering a positive environment and establishing a winning mentality has been central to Italy’s resurgence under his leadership.

What the Future Holds for Gattuso and Rangers

As Italy prepares for their crucial play-off campaign, Gattuso’s managerial prowess will be under the spotlight. Success with the Azzurri would further strengthen his credentials, potentially opening the door for a return to club management in the future. For Rangers, the idea of welcoming back a former player with such international pedigree offers an intriguing prospect.

For more news and updates on football’s biggest stories, visit for more news.

Opinion: Gattuso Could Be the Ideal Fit for Rangers

Gattuso’s passion, tactical acumen, and deep understanding of Rangers’ culture make him a natural candidate for the Ibrox hot seat, should the opportunity arise. His commitment to building strong team dynamics and his proven track record at both club and international level suggest he could usher in a new era of success for the Scottish club—if and when the stars align.