Italy’s national football team continues to face fallout following their failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time. Head coach Gennaro Gattuso has departed his role, initially announced by the country’s football federation (FIGC) on Friday, with reports indicating a mutual agreement to terminate his contract. Gattuso previously stated it had been an honour to lead the national team.
The shock qualification loss followed by Tuesday’s penalty shootout defeat in Bosnia-Herzegovina prompted the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina on Thursday, amid increasing political pressure. Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also resigned from his role with the national team.
The Azzurri’s ongoing struggles stand in contrast to the success seen in other Italian sports. The recent failures have sent shockwaves through Italian football, marking a difficult period for the men’s national program.