Italy coach Gennaro Ivan Gattuso stepped down on Friday after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This was the third time in a row that Italy qualified for the tournament, marking a new low in their football history. The development was confirmed by the Italian Football Federation. Italy's chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup ended earlier this week after losing a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff match.
Gattuso stepped down a day after the resignation of Gabriele Gravina, the Italian Soccer Federation president. Moreover, Gianluigi Buffon, who was the national team’s delegation chief, also stepped down from his post.
Gattuso had taken over the reins from the fired Luciano Spalletti in June last year, with the squad struggling following a defeat at Norway in its opening qualifier. Under Spalletti, Italy also crashed out in the round of 16 stage of the Euro 2024 against Switzerland.
“With a heavy heart, and having fallen short of the goal we set ourselves, I feel my time as head coach of the national team has come to an end. The Azzurri shirt is the most precious thing in football, and for that reason, it’s only right to make way immediately for the Federation’s future decisions. I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with everyone at the Federation , for the trust and support they have always shown me," said Gattuso in an official statement.
“It has been an honour to lead the national team, especially with a group of players who have shown such commitment and dedication. But my biggest thanks go to the fans, to all Italians who, over these months, have never stopped showing their love and support for the team. I will always carry the Azzurri in my heart,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}“It has been an honour to lead the national team, especially with a group of players who have shown such commitment and dedication. But my biggest thanks go to the fans, to all Italians who, over these months, have never stopped showing their love and support for the team. I will always carry the Azzurri in my heart,” he added.
{{/usCountry}}Gattuso was initially given a contract until the end of the FIFA World Cup with an automatic renewal until 2028 if Italy returned to the biggest competition. However, that wasn't to be. Under Gattuso, Italy registered a six-match winning streak before losing to Norway in November, finishing second in their group and advancing to the playoffs again.
Italy last appeared in the FIFA World Cup in 2014, and there, too, the Azzurri had a disappointing performance, crashing out in the group stage after losing to Uruguay and Costa Rica.