Gattuso steps down as Italy coach after World Cup qualification failure

Rino Gattuso has left his position as Italy head coach after the country's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. The Italian Football Federation announced Friday that it had mutually terminated Gattuso's contract, which was set to expire June 30.

Italy's elimination came Tuesday when the team lost on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup playoff final. The defeat marked the third consecutive World Cup that Italy has failed to qualify for.

In a statement published on the federation's website, Gattuso said: "With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set ourselves, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over. The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, which is why it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start."

Gattuso's departure follows a series of resignations from Italian football's leadership. On Thursday, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina resigned, citing responsibility for the second World Cup qualification failure during his tenure. Gianluigi Buffon, the federation's head of delegation and former Italy captain, also stepped down Thursday.

According to reports, Gattuso had initially considered his position immediately after the loss in Zenica but delayed any decision at the federation's request to allow time for reflection. Over the following days, as Gravina and Buffon departed and uncertainty surrounded the national team, Gattuso determined that stepping aside was the appropriate course of action.

The federation will now search for a new head coach. The appointment will be made after June 22, when the federation's electoral assembly convenes to elect a new president. Names circulating for the coaching position include Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte.