Gattuso out as Italy's coach after failure to qualify for 2026 World Cup

Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down as Italy's national team coach following the Azzurri's failure to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Italian Football Federation confirmed Friday.

The departure was announced as a "mutual consent" decision, coming just three days after Italy's devastating penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in their World Cup qualifying playoff. The loss marked a historic low point for Italian football, as the nation will now miss its third consecutive World Cup.

In an official statement, the Italian Football Federation expressed gratitude to Gattuso for his "dedication and passion" throughout his nine-month tenure. The former AC Milan midfielder took charge in June 2024, inheriting a team in crisis following their disappointing early exit from the group stage.

"With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over," Gattuso stated. "The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect."

Gattuso's appointment came after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed following Italy's shocking 3-0 defeat to Norway in their opening group match. Despite remaining for a subsequent 2-0 victory over Moldova, Spalletti's fate was sealed by the early setback.

Under Gattuso's leadership, Italy demonstrated resilience by winning five consecutive group matches. However, Norway's superior goal difference meant the Azzurri were destined for another playoff scenario before their final group encounter, which Norway decisively won 4-1 at the San Siro.

The pattern of playoff heartbreak continued for Italy, having previously fallen to Sweden and North Macedonia in World Cup qualifiers for the 2018 and 2022 tournaments respectively. Initial optimism emerged following a commanding 2-0 semifinal victory over Northern Ireland, but hopes were ultimately dashed in Bosnia.

The match against Bosnia and Herzegovina encapsulated Italy's recent struggles. Despite taking a 1-0 lead, Gattuso's side collapsed after being reduced to ten men, ultimately losing their nerve in the penalty shootout that sealed their fate.

The coaching change represents the latest upheaval in Italian football administration, occurring just one day after Federation President Gabriele Gravina announced his resignation. This dual departure signals a comprehensive restructuring effort as Italian football attempts to rebuild from one of its darkest periods.