Gennaro Gattuso has left his post as head coach of Italy’s men’s national team.
The national team legend leaves the post after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup following defeat to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the European playoffs.
It is the third consecutive World Cup Italy will miss, and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has acted swiftly by terminating the contract between both parties.
“The Italian Football Federation and Gennaro Ivan Gattuso have agreed by mutual decision to terminate the Calabrian coach’s contract with the Italian national team.
“The FIGC thanks Gattuso and his entire staff for the professionalism, dedication, and passion shown over the past nine months, and wishes them all the best for the future.”
Gattuso is the third high profile personnel to step down from their position within Italian football in the past 24 hours, following the footsteps of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, and the national team delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon.
The 48-year-old former Napoli and Olympic Marseille coach showed appreciation for his time as head coach.
He added that his exit was with a heavy heart for falling short of World Cup qualification objective, and it is only right to make way for new hands.
“With a heavy heart, and having fallen short of the goal we set ourselves, I feel my time as head coach of the national team has come to an end.”
“The Azzurri shirt is the most precious thing in football, and for that reason it’s only right to make way immediately for the Federation’s future decisions. I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with everyone at the Federation , for the trust and support they have always shown me.
“It has been an honour to lead the national team, especially with a group of players who have shown such commitment and dedication. But my biggest thanks go to the fans, to all Italians who, over these months, have never stopped showing their love and support for the team. I will always carry the Azzurri in my heart.”
Outgoing FIGC president Gravina also showered Gattuso with kind words for bringing enthusiasm and sense of pride back to the national team in less than a year as head coach.