Italy have missed three consecutive World Cups

Gattuso: ‘It has been an honour to lead national team’

Italy have parted company with their head coach, Gennaro Gattuso, the country’s football federation (FIGC) said on Friday, after the national team’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Italy lost Tuesday’s playoff final in Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties and the four-times champions have now missed out on three consecutive World Cups.

Gattuso’s departure came a day after the FIGC president, Gabriele Gravina resigned, with the national team delegation head, Gianluigi Buffon, also stepping down from his role.