The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and national team coach Gennaro Gattuso have mutually agreed to terminate their collaboration following Italy’s failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. The federation announced on Good Friday that Gattuso’s contract was dissolved by mutual consent.
Outgoing FIGC President Gabriele Gravina thanked the 2006 World Cup winner for his efforts, stating that in just a few months, Gattuso managed to reignite enthusiasm for the national team and instill great pride in the blue jersey among players and the entire nation.
The four-time world champions missed out on the World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada (June 11 to July 19) after a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina last Tuesday. This marks Italy’s third consecutive World Cup miss, having also failed to reach the finals in 2018 and 2022.
FIGC Concludes Partnership with Gattuso
Gattuso expressed his sentiments, saying, «With a heavy heart, as we did not achieve our set goal, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over.» He added, «The Azzurri jersey is the most valuable asset in football. Therefore, it is right to allow for new technical assessments.»
Antonio Conte or Roberto Mancini are reportedly being considered as successors. A new federation president is scheduled to be elected at an extraordinary assembly on June 22. Additionally, sporting director Gianluigi Buffon has also announced his resignation.