Manager Gennaro Gattuso has left his manager role in Italy after failing to qualify the team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy failed to qualify for this summer’s tournament after losing 4–1 on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday’s play-off.
Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for the Azzurri as a player, was appointed in June as the successor to Luciano Spalletti and won six of his eight matches in charge.
But a visibly emotional Gattuso apologised after the game, describing the defeat as “hard to digest.”
“With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set ourselves, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over,” Gattuso said.
Read Also: 10-man Super Eagles held to draw by Jordan in friendly
“The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, which is why it’s right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start.
“It has been an honour to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and devotion to the jersey.”
Following the defeat, Gabriele Gravina, the head of Italy’s football association (FIGC), had also resigned on Thursday.
Gianluigi Buffon, who was working closely with the national side, also resigned as delegation head.
Italy are four-time World Cup champions but last featured at the tournament in 2014.
Leave a Reply