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Gattuso and Italy part ways after failed World Cup bid
Italy's national football team and manager Gennaro Gattuso have agreed to end their collaboration following the squad's elimination from the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The decision comes after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday's play-off match.
Gattuso's brief tenure ends in disappointment
Gattuso, who lifted the World Cup as a player with Italy in 2006, took over as head coach in June after Luciano Spalletti's departure. During his eight-match tenure, he secured six victories but fell short of the team's primary objective: securing a spot in this summer's tournament.
In an emotional post-match press conference, Gattuso expressed regret over the outcome. "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," he stated. "The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, and it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations."
Italy's historic World Cup drought continues
The defeat marks Italy's third consecutive absence from the World Cup, a first for the four-time champions. The team last competed in the tournament in 2014 and also missed the 2018 and 2022 editions. No previous World Cup winner has ever failed to qualify for three straight tournaments.
The fallout from the play-off loss extended beyond Gattuso's departure. Gabriele Gravina, president of Italy's football association (FIGC), resigned on Thursday. Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who served as delegation head, also stepped down, announcing his decision via Instagram.
Potential successors emerge for Italy's top job
With the coaching position now vacant, speculation has begun about who might take the reins. Several high-profile names have been linked to the role:
- Massimiliano Allegri: The current AC Milan manager is a fan favorite. Allegri won Serie A in his first full season with Milan in 2011 and later secured five consecutive league titles with Juventus. However, his recent return to Milan may make him reluctant to leave.
- Roberto Mancini: The 61-year-old led Italy to Euro 2020 glory and oversaw a record 37-match unbeaten streak. After resigning in 2023, he briefly managed Saudi Arabia and now coaches Qatari club Al-Sadd. Mancini previously won the Premier League with Manchester City.
- Antonio Conte: Currently under contract with Napoli until 2027, Conte guided Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals. He has won league titles with Juventus, Chelsea, Inter Milan, and Napoli.
- Fabio Cannavaro: A World Cup-winning captain in 2006, Cannavaro is set to lead Uzbekistan in their first World Cup appearance this summer. While his managerial track record is less decorated, his legendary status could bring optimism to Italian football.
- Stefano Pioli: The former AC Milan and Fiorentina coach is currently unemployed. Pioli won Serie A with Milan in 2022 and has managed Lazio and Inter Milan, though his trophy haul is limited compared to other candidates.
Captain Donnarumma pledges to rebuild
Amid the turmoil, Italy's captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has vowed to help restore the team's fortunes. The goalkeeper, who played a pivotal role in Italy's Euro 2020 triumph, acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the need to move forward. Fans and pundits alike are now looking for leadership to guide the Azzurri out of this "third apocalypse" of World Cup failures.
