Italy and Gattuso ‘mutually terminate’ contract

Italy and Gennaro Gattuso have agreed to end their partnership on mutual terms after the nation’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup. The decision comes following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday’s play-off, marking another setback for the Azzurri. Gattuso, who earned 73 caps as a player for Italy, took over as head coach in June, succeeding Luciano Spalletti. During his tenure, he secured six wins out of eight matches, but the team’s inability to reach the 2026 tournament has prompted his exit.

Gattuso expressed his disappointment during a post-match press conference, acknowledging the weight of the loss. “With a heavy heart, I’ve decided my coaching journey with the national team has concluded,” he said. “The Azzurri jersey holds immense value, so it’s fitting to pave the way for fresh technical assessments.” He also praised his squad, stating, “It was an honor to lead these players, who have consistently shown loyalty to the national cause.”

“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,” Gattuso said.

The resignation of Gabriele Gravina as head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) followed the announcement, signaling further turmoil within the federation. Gianluigi Buffon, the veteran goalkeeper who had been closely involved with the team, also stepped down from his role as delegation head, sharing the news on Instagram.

Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, last appeared in the tournament in 2014. The nation now joins a rare group of teams that have missed three consecutive World Cup campaigns—a feat no previous winner has accomplished. After missing Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, the Azzurri’s absence from 2026 underscores a challenging era for Italian football.

Italian fans are grappling with the latest disappointment, referring to it as the “third apocalypse” in their recent history. Despite the heartbreak, the focus remains on rebuilding, with captain Gianluigi Donnarumma pledging to lead the charge for future success.

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