Manager Gennaro Gattuso has mutually agreed to terminate his contract with Italy national football team following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.

Italy’s hopes of reaching the global tournament were dashed after a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team in Tuesday’s play-off.

Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for Italy during his playing career, was appointed in June as successor to Luciano Spalletti and recorded six wins in eight matches during his tenure.

Speaking after the defeat, an emotional Gattuso apologised to fans and admitted the result was difficult to accept.

“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,” he 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.”

He described leading the national team as a privilege, despite the disappointing outcome.

“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,” Gattuso added.

The development comes amid wider upheaval in Italian football leadership, with Gabriele Gravina resigning as president of the Italian Football Federation.

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down from his role as head of delegation, announcing his decision via social media.

Italy, four-time World Cup champions, last appeared at the tournament in 2014 and have now missed three consecutive editions, including 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2022 FIFA World Cup.

No previous World Cup-winning nation has endured a similar run of three straight qualification failures, marking a historic low point for the Azzurri.

Boluwatife Enome

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