By our reporter 3.4.2026
Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as manager of the Italian national team after he failed to guide them to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The former Italian football great is leaving a day after the Italian Football Federation FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and chief of delegation Gigi Buffon also resigned.
“With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the objective we set ourselves, I consider my experience as head of the National team to be over,” Gattuso said.
“The Azurri shirt is the most precious thing in football, and for this reason, it is right to facilitate future technical evaluations right away.
“I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina, Gianluigi Buffon, and, with them, all the Federation staff, for the trust and support they have always given me.
“It has been an honour to lead the National team and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and attachment to this shirt. But my greatest thanks go to the fans, to all Italians who in recent months have never failed to show their love and support for the National Team. Always with the blue in my heart.”
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.