Gattuso Resigns as Italy Coach After Third Consecutive World Cup Miss
Key Takeaways
- 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.
- The elimination marked Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence.
Mutual Termination
Gattuso and FIGC mutually terminated his contract after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
“Manager Gennaro Gattuso has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Italy national football team following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA 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.
“EnglishSports Gattuso resigns after Italy misses World Cup for third straight time By OSEN Published 2026”
A new president is expected to be elected in June.
Five contenders loom representing a spectrum from pragmatism to nostalgia.
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