The FIGC extended its gratitude to Gattuso and his coaching staff for their dedication and passion over the past nine months, wishing them success in their future endeavors.

Gennaro Gattuso bows his head after Italy's loss to Bosnia & Herzegovina in the World Cup 2026 play-off final at Bilino Polje, Zenica, Bosnia on 31/3/2026. Photo: AP

In his farewell message, Gattuso admitted to not achieving the set objectives. "With great sadness at not completing the goals, I consider my journey with the national team concluded," he stated.

The 48-year-old coach emphasized that the "azzurri" jersey represents the most valuable aspect of football. He extended his thanks to the federation members and especially to the Italian fans for their unwavering support. "Leading the national team was an honor. I will always carry the blue shirt in my heart," he said.

Gattuso was appointed to replace Luciano Spalletti in June 2025 and made his debut as Italy's head coach in September 2025 with a 5-0 victory over Estonia. However, subsequent results did not meet expectations.

The crisis in Italian football escalated when the national team lost to Bosnia & Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the play-off final, failing to secure a spot in the World Cup 2026. This marks the third consecutive absence for the "Azzurri" from the world's biggest football tournament.

In october 2025, Gattuso garnered attention by addressing his future if the team failed. "If we qualify for the World Cup 2026, I will take credit; if not, I will go live very far from Italy," he said. "I am already quite far (living in Marbella, Spain), but I will go even further. I am aware of the consequences."

Prior to Gattuso's departure, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina and Team Manager Gianluigi Buffon had already resigned. The Italy national team is scheduled for two friendly matches in june, but the likelihood of appointing a permanent coach before then is low, as the FIGC must await the election of a new president.

Gianluigi Buffon, Gennaro Gattuso, and Gabriele Gravina (from left) depart the Italy national team after failing to qualify for the World Cup 2026. Photo: Quotidiano

Following Gattuso's exit, the FIGC initiated the process of finding a new coach for the upcoming phase. Several prominent candidates have been mentioned, including Antonio Conte (current coach of Napoli), Massimiliano Allegri (AC Milan), Roberto Mancini (Al Sadd), and Simone Inzaghi (Al Hilal).

Among these, Mancini is reportedly confident about returning to the national team, especially if Giovanni Malago becomes the new FIGC President. According to Calciomercato, those close to Mancini believe he will be the top choice. Mancini previously led Italy from 2018-2023, guiding the team to victory in Euro 2020, but unexpectedly resigned just before the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign.

Meanwhile, politician Ignazio La Russa proposed that Italy consider a foreign coach. "If Brazil can hire a foreign coach like Carlo Ancelotti, why can't we choose someone like Jose Mourinho?" he questioned.

Mourinho currently coaches Benfica after leaving Fenerbahce in august 2025. The Portuguese coach had two stints in Serie A with Inter and Roma before being dismissed from the capital club in january 2024.

By Hong Duy (according to Football Italy)