Gennaro Gattuso was named Italy's new coach on Sunday and will be tasked with helping the Azzurri qualify for the 2026 World Cup after replacing Luciano Spalletti.
The five-time world champions -- the only team to appear in every edition of the World Cup - punched their ticket to the finals with the first win of new coach Carlo Ancelotti's reign.
Only eight countries have won the World Cup in 22 editions up to the most recent tournament in Qatar, when Argentina defeated France on penalties in an epic final.
Australia also stand on the cusp of a place at the finals after Aziz Behich scored the only goal in his side's 1-0 win over Japan in Perth in Group C.
Coach Tony Popovic said "we've done something special" after his Australia side moved to the brink of next year's World Cup on Thursday while Indonesia ended China's qualifying hopes.
The United States is co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with neighboring Canada and Mexico.
Iran booked their place in the 2026 World Cup following a 2-2 home draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran's Azadi Stadium on Tuesday.
New Zealand reached the World Cup for only the third time.
Argentina are on the cusp of guaranteeing their spot in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with 22 points from 10 matches in the South American qualifying standings.
The 48-team World Cup, which will conclude on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
