Italy’s hopes of playing at the 2026 World Cup ended with a penalty shoot-out defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina, and Gennaro Gattuso has left his role as head coach. The Azzurri drew 1-1 in Zenica, then lost 4-1 on spot-kicks, extending a World Cup absence that dates back to Brazil 2014.
Italy will now wait until at least the 2030 tournament for a possible return to football’s main global event. Gattuso had been appointed in June as successor to Luciano Spalletti and won six of eight matches in charge. Gattuso has now agreed to part company with the national side following the play-off loss.
Gattuso confirmed the decision in a formal statement after the defeat. "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, said Gattuso, who won six of his eight matches as Italy coach. 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. "An honour to coach the National team Official statement https://t.co/dT9S6k8RGtItaly (@Azzurri_En) April 3, 2026
Reports in Italy indicated officials had wanted
Gattuso to remain in charge for two June friendlies, but the role will now pass to another coach. The exit of Gattuso comes after resignations by Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon, deepening a period of change for the Azzurri after another Italy World Cup setback.
