Gennaro Gattuso and Italy Part Ways After World Cup Qualification Failure

Fri Apr 03 2026 16:41:47 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

After Italy's failure to qualify for their third consecutive World Cup, manager Gennaro Gattuso and the Italian football federation have mutually agreed to terminate his contract.

Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down as Italy's football manager following the team's unsuccessful bid to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. Gattuso, who acknowledged the emotional toll of the situation, expressed his honor in leading the national team but recognized the need for new direction after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina. With four-time World Cup champions Italy missing out on consecutive tournaments, discussions on potential replacements for Gattuso are underway.

Manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italy have agreed to mutually terminate his contract after their failure to qualify for a third successive World Cup.

Italy missed out on a spot at this summer's showpiece event when they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday's play-off.

Gattuso, who won 73 caps for the Azzurri during his playing career, was appointed as Luciano Spalletti's successor in June and won six of his eight games in charge.

An emotional Gattuso apologised for the defeat during his post-match news conference and admitted it was hard to digest.

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, Gattuso said.

The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, which is why it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start. It has been an honour to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and devotion to the jersey.

This news follows the resignation of Gabriele Gravina as the head of Italy's football association (FIGC) on Thursday.

Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who was working closely with the national side, also resigned as delegation head via Instagram.

Italy are four-time World Cup champions but last featured at the tournament in 2014. No previous winner of the tournament has missed three World Cups in a row, which Italy now have after missing out on Russia in 2018 and Qatar 2022.

Who could replace Gattuso? - five top contenders

Massimiliano Allegri: Touted by many to be the fans choice for the vacant role, Allegri has achieved considerable success in Italian football. The AC Milan boss only returned for his second spell at the San Siro in May, so could take some convincing to give that up for the national team job.

Roberto Mancini: This could be a chance for the return of the 61-year-old former manager who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory. He resigned in August 2023 after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup.

Antonio Conte: The Italian is contracted to Napoli until 2027, but is being linked with a return as he has enjoyed immense success at club level.

Fabio Cannavaro: A national legend and captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, Cannavaro is leading Uzbekistan into their first World Cup but might be tempted by a return.

Stefano Pioli: Out of work and would surely jump at the chance to manage the national team after a successful period with AC Milan.