Gennaro Gattuso steps down as Italy manager after 2026 World Cup qualifier heartbreak

Gennaro Gattuso's brief stint as Italy manager came to an abrupt end on Friday, following the national team's disappointing failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced the mutual termination of his contract on Friday, just one day after federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned and delegation head Gianluigi Buffon stepped down from his position.

Italy’s exit came after a dramatic penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia in the playoff final on Tuesday. This latest disappointment means the four-time World Cup champions have now missed out on three consecutive editions of the tournament.

Gennaro Gattuso's statement on his exit

In an emotional statement, Gennaro Gattuso reflected on his time in charge.

"With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over," he said. “The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect. It has been an honour to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of lads who have shown commitment and loyalty to the shirt.”

The FIGC expressed gratitude for Gattuso’s contribution over the past nine months.

"The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) and Gennaro Ivan Gattuso have mutually terminated the contract that bound the Calabrian coach to the helm of the Italian national football team," the federation stated. "The FIGC thanks Gattuso and his entire staff for the professionalism, dedication, and passion with which they have worked over the past nine months and wishes them every success in their future careers."

Gennaro Gattuso’s brief reign ends in disappointment

Gennaro Gattuso was appointed in June 2025 on a one-year contract, replacing Luciano Spalletti after Italy’s poor start in the qualifying group. He managed to win five of his group matches, but Norway’s strong goal difference forced Italy into the playoffs despite the late improvement.

The team advanced past Northern Ireland 2-0 in the semi-final but could not finish the job in Bosnia. Playing with 10 men, Gattuso’s side let slip a 1-0 lead and ultimately fell in the penalty shootout in Zenica.

This result marks the continuation of a difficult period for Italian football. After triumphing in the 2006 World Cup, in which Gattuso played a key role, the Azzurri have struggled to recapture their past success. They exited at the group stage in 2010 and 2014, failed to qualify in 2018 and 2022, and now face another absence in 2026. The Euro 2020 victory remains a bright spot in an otherwise challenging decade.

Who will lead Italy next?

As the federation begins its search for a new coach, names such as AC Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri and Napoli boss Antonio Conte are already being linked with the vacancy. Conte previously guided Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals during his earlier spell in charge.

Italy’s next fixture is a friendly against Greece on June 7, before they kick off their UEFA Nations League campaign in September with a home match against Belgium.

The departures of Gravina, Buffon, and now Gattuso mark a significant moment of change for the Azzurri.