Dhaka, June 15 -- tackling midfielder Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy coach on Sunday, tasked with reviving the country's already-flagging World Cup qualifying hopes.

Gattuso replaces Luciano Spalletti, who was fired last week after Italy lost its opening qualifier 3-0 at Norway to spark fears that the four-time champion will fail to qualify for a third straight World Cup.

Gattuso lifted one of those World Cups as a player, in 2006.

"Gattuso is a symbol of Italian soccer, the blue shirt is like a second skin for him," Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina said. "His motivation, his professionalism and his experience will be fundamental to best face the national team's next matches.

"Aware of the importance of the object...