Italy, Gattuso Part Ways After World Cup Disappointment

Manager Gennaro Gattuso and the Italian Football Federation have mutually agreed to terminate his contract following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Italy’s hopes of reaching this summer’s tournament were dashed on Tuesday when they suffered a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in their play-off match.

Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for the Azzurri during his playing career, took over from Luciano Spalletti in June. Under his leadership, Italy secured six wins from eight matches.

A visibly emotional Gattuso offered an apology for the defeat in his post-match press conference, describing it as “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 stated. “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.”