Gattuso out as Italy’s head coach

MILAN (AP):

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso left his role by mutual consent yesterday, three days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

The Italian football federation announced the news in a statement thanking Gattuso “for the dedication and passion” during his nine months in charge.

Italy’s chances of reaching this year’s tournament in North America ended on Tuesday after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying play-off.

“With pain in my heart, not having achieved the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my experience on the national team bench to be over,” Gattuso said.

Gattuso’s departure comes a day after federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned along with Gianluigi Buffon, who was the national team’s delegation chief.

The defeat to Bosnia added more misery for four-time champions Italy after being eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively, in the qualifying play-offs for the last two World Cups.

Gattuso took over from the fired Luciano Spalletti in June with the squad already in crisis mode following a defeat at Norway in their opening qualifier.

DISAPPOINTING CAMPAIGN

Spalletti had also overseen a disappointing European Championship campaign in 2024, when titleholders Italy were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland.

“I would like to thank Gattuso once again,” Gravina said. “Because, in addition to being a special person, as a coach, he has offered a valuable contribution, managing to bring enthusiasm back to the national team in just a few months.

“He has conveyed great pride in the national team jersey to the players and to the whole country.”

Under Gattuso, Italy went on a six-match winning streak before another loss to Norway in November to finish second in their group and end up in the play-offs again.

Gattuso had been given a contract until the end of this summer’s World Cup, with an automatic renewal until 2028 if Italy returned to football’s biggest stage.

“The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset that exists in football, which is why it is right to immediately facilitate future coaching staff decisions,” Gattuso said.

“It was an honour to be able to lead the national team and do so also with a group of boys who have shown commitment and attachment to the shirt. The biggest thanks go to the fans, to all the Italians who have never failed to show their love and support for the national team in recent months.”

Among those being mentioned to replace Gattuso are Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri.

Italy will play two friendly matches in June but is unlikely to have a new coach by then, given that the election for a new Italian football federation president won’t take place until June 22.