April 3 (UPI) -- Coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned after failing to guide the Italian men's national team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Italian Football Federation announced Friday.
The Italians, who lost 4-1 in penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday in their final qualifier, failed to qualify for each of the last three editions of the World Cup.
Gattuso's departure came a day after the federation president, Gabriele Gravina, and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon stepped down from their roles.
"With a heavy heart, and having fallen short of the goal we set ourselves, I feel my time as head coach of the national team has come to an end," Gattuso said in a statement. "The Azzurri shirt is the most precious thing in football, and for that reason it's only right to make way immediately for the federation's future decisions.
"I would like to thank president Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with everyone at the federation, for the trust and support they have always shown me. It has been an honor to lead the national team, especially with a group of players who have shown such commitment and dedication.
