Former hard-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.