- Gennaro Gattuso set to become head coach of Lazio, deal agreed.
- Gattuso previously played for Rangers under Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat between 1997 and 1998.
- Former teammates continue to back him for a future managerial return to Ibrox.
Former Rangers midfielder Gennaro Gattuso is set to become head coach of Lazio after an agreement was reached and signatures are expected imminently, according to Matteo Moretto.
The Italian journalist reports the deal is effectively done, marking a swift return to club management for Gattuso following his departure as Italy boss earlier this year.
Gattuso, who spent just under two years at Rangers between 1997 and 1998 under Walter Smith and Dick Advocaat, is remembered at Ibrox for his combative midfield style, making 51 appearances and scoring five goals before returning to Italy.
His managerial career has continued to evolve across Europe, and this latest move to Lazio represents another high-profile step in Serie A.
Gennaro Gattuso back in management after Italy departure
Gattuso’s exit from the Italy national team came in early April after failure to secure World Cup qualification, with elimination confirmed following a penalty defeat to Bosnia.
At the time, the former Rangers midfielder issued a reflective statement, accepting responsibility for the Azzurri’s failure.
“With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over,” he said.
“The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football.
“It is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect.”
Ibrox heroes call for Gennaro Gattuso to take Gers job
Despite the disappointment, Gattuso’s reputation remains strong, particularly among former teammates and Scottish football figures who still expect him to one day return to Glasgow in a managerial capacity.
Former Rangers midfielder Pedro Mendes previously described him as an ideal candidate for the Ibrox dugout.
“He has that passion, he has that temper that Rangers fans love,” Mendes said.
“He’s such a loved person at Ibrox. I can’t see why it won’t happen in the future.”
Similar sentiment has been echoed by others close to Gattuso’s playing career.
Including ex-teammate Marco Materazzi, who insisted he remains emotionally connected to Rangers.
“He loves Rangers. He is still a fan,” Materazzi said.
“I think in the future he will be at Rangers as their manager. Not now, but in the future.”
Former striker Kyle Lafferty, who played under Gattuso at Sion, also praised his leadership qualities and intensity.
“His teams fight hard and never give up,” Lafferty said.
“He makes his players feel important. I hope to see him lead them one day.”
While speculation over a future return to Glasgow will persist, Gattuso’s immediate focus now shifts firmly to Serie A and the challenge of restoring Lazio’s competitiveness at the top end of Italian football.
Readrangers.com analysis – Jack Cranmer
At Rangers, Danny Rohl remains in charge after a vote of confidence from chairman Andrew Cavanegh.
This comes despite the Gers third-place Premiership finish last season and four losses from their last five fixtures.
Rohl has shown previously at Sheffield Wednesday that he can improve in his second season at a club.
Now it is on the German to prove it, while others call for replacements from near and far.
