Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as head coach of Italy national football team following the team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.
Gattuso, a member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, leaves the role less than a year after his appointment, as the latest setback continues to shake Italian football.
The decisive blow came after Italy’s penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national team in a qualification play-off final earlier in the week. The loss ultimately sealed their absence from the global tournament.
The fallout from the disappointing campaign has been swift. The president of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, who had initially urged Gattuso to remain in charge, also stepped down. The exit of national team general manager Gianluigi Buffon further signaled a major shake-up, paving the way for Gattuso’s departure.
Gattuso was appointed in June last year, taking over from Luciano Spalletti, who was dismissed after a poor Euro 2024 title defence and a heavy loss to Norway in World Cup qualifying.
Despite posting a respectable record of six wins, one draw, and one defeat in eight matches, the results that mattered most proved costly. A 1-1 draw with Bosnia forced the ill-fated penalty shootout, while a heavy 4-1 defeat to Norway at San Siro further dented confidence.
Gattuso’s appointment had drawn mixed reactions from the outset, given his inconsistent club coaching record. Following the World Cup exit, criticism intensified, ultimately leading to his decision to step down.
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