Spalletti confirmed he had been sacked in a press conference, off the back of a 3-0 defeat to Norway in World Cup qualifying, before leading Italy to a 2-0 win over Moldova.

Italy is at risk of missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, with its recent run leaving it nine points behind Group I leader Norway. 

Asked whether he had more hope or conviction that Italy could reach next year's finals in the United States, Canada and Mexico, Gattuso said: "conviction".

"I believe that we have good players available to us. We have four or five who are among the top 10 in the world in their position.

"We have a good team, but I do mean team, I'm not thinking about individuals. I'm convinced that the team has quality and I'm convinced that we can achieve our goal."

Gattuso has a tough job on his hands with only top spot in the group giving them automatic qualification to the World Cup, even with Italy playing two games less than Norway.

As well as the significant points gap, Italy is 12 behind Norway on goal difference. 

A heavy loss to Noray early in June saw Italy concede at least three goals in the first half of a World Cup qualifying match for the first time in its history.

That leaves Gattuso's men with the play-offs, from which they failed to reach the last two tournaments, as their only realistic shot at qualification.

"My goal is that whoever comes to the training ground comes with great enthusiasm and to create a family,"  Gattuso said. 

"The primary aim is to create a sense of belonging" to the Azzurri team.

"We must be good at reacting. Only those who react and give it all can get out of this situation," he said.

Gattuso will be in the dugout for the first time in September when Italy hosts Estonia in Bergamo before travelling to Hungary to take on Israel.