Sports03 April, 20261 min read
Gattuso Resigns as Italy Coach After Third Consecutive World Cup Miss
Gattuso and FIGC mutually terminated his contract after failing to qualify for 2026 World Cup. Italy were eliminated by Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties in the playoff.
Mutual Termination
Gattuso and FIGC mutually terminated his contract after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Italy lost the play-off final to Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. The match was impacted by Bastoni's 41st-minute red card.
FIGC president Gravina and delegation head Buffon also resigned. Gattuso apologized and said the Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football.
Historic Context
No previous World Cup-winning nation has missed three consecutive tournaments. Italy's last appearance was in 2014. Gattuso's tenure became the shortest since Bearzot.
Path Forward
FIGC must navigate a leadership vacuum and the search for a new manager. A new president is expected to be elected in June. Five contenders loom representing a spectrum from pragmatism to nostalgia.