MILAN (AP) — Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned by mutual consent Friday, three days after leaving the national team. Could not obtain qualification 3 times in a row world cup.
The Italian Football Federation announced the news. statement Gattuso thanked him for his “dedication and passion” during his nine-month term.
Italy lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs on Tuesday, ending their chances of competing in this year’s North American tournament.
Gattuso said, “It hurts that we didn’t achieve the goals we set for ourselves, but I think my experience on the national team bench is over.”
Gattuso’s resignation comes a day after the Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina resigns along with Gianluigi Buffonwas the head of the national team.
The defeat in Bosnia was even more devastating for four-time champions Italy. Sweden and north macedoniarespectively, in the last two World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Gattuso was appointed as coach in June to replace the sacked Luciano Spalletti, but the team was already in crisis mode after losing to Norway in the opening qualifying round.
Spalletti also oversaw the disappointing 2024 European Championship, in which title holders Italy were eliminated by Switzerland in the round of 16.
“I would like to thank Gattuso again,” Gravina said. “Because in addition to being a special person, he has made a valuable contribution as a coach and has managed to restore enthusiasm to the national team in just a few months.
“He conveyed to his players and to the entire country his great pride in the national team uniform.”
Under Gattuso, Italy won six straight games, lost to Norway in November, finished second in their group, and once again reached the play-offs.
Gattuso was given a contract until the end of this summer’s World Cup, which would have been automatically renewed until 2028 if Italy returned to soccer’s biggest stage.
“The Azzurri kit is the most valuable asset that exists in the world of football, which is why it is right to immediately facilitate decisions on the future coaching staff,” Gattuso said.
“It has been an honor to lead the national team and to do so with a group of boys who have shown such dedication and love for the shirt. My biggest thanks go to the fans and to all Italians who have shown their love and support for the national team in recent months.”
Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have all been named as potential candidates to replace Gattuso.
Mancini led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 and then took charge of the Saudi national team after failing to get the Azzurri to qualify for next year’s World Cup. He left his position in October 2024 and is currently coaching Al Sadd in Qatar.
Inzaghi led Inter Milan to the Serie A title in 2024 and is currently the manager of Saudi club Al Hilal.
Conte coached Italy at the 2016 European Championship and currently plays for Napoli.
Allegri is the manager of AC Milan.
Italy are scheduled to play two friendlies in June, but given that the election for a new FIGC president will not be held until June 22, it is unlikely that a new coach will be appointed by then.
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