TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso has officially resigned after failing to lead GLI Azzurri to the final round of the 2026 World Cup. The decision was made through an agreement with the Italian Football Federation on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
In his statement, Gattuso admitted responsibility for the team's failure to reach the main target. “With a heavy heart, and having fallen short of the goal we set ourselves, I feel my time as head coach of the national team has come to an end,” he said as quoted by Antara.
He emphasized that the Azzurri shirt is an important symbol in Italian football. According to the AC Milan legend, this step back is seen as a form of responsibility to open up future decisions.
Gattuso also thanked the players and fans for their support during his tenure. "It was an honor to lead the national team," he said.
"But my most sincere thanks go to the supporters, to all Italians who have never failed to show their love and support for the national team over these past few months. The Azzurri will remain forever in my heart."
Gattuso's resignation comes amid a crisis affecting Italian football. Previously, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina had also resigned following the national team's failure.
Gravina announced the decision in a meeting at FIGC headquarters in Rome. He conveyed his resignation in front of competition representatives, including Serie A and Serie B, while also expressing gratitude for the support he had received during his tenure.
He also stated that he would present a comprehensive report on the condition of Italian football in a meeting with the parliament on April 8. He will outline the strengths and weaknesses as well as a number of issues faced. The federation is scheduled to hold a new election on June 22 to determine Gravina's successor.
Meanwhile, Italy's failure to advance to the 2026 World Cup came after they lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout in the final playoff for the European qualification zone. This result extends Italy's poor record of being absent from three consecutive editions of the World Cup, after previously failing to qualify in 2018 and 2022.
Gattuso was appointed as the Italy national team coach in June 2025 with a mandate to lead the team back to the World Cup stage. However, this target was not achieved, ending his short tenure with the Azzurri.
Read: Gattuso Silent on Future After Italy Miss Third Straight World Cup
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Gattuso Silent on Future After Italy Miss Third Straight World Cup
2 hari lalu
Italy lost to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw during 120 minutes at Bilino Polje Stadium.
AC Milan Legend Gennaro Gattuso Appointed Head Coach of Italy National Team
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Gennaro Gattuso, 47 years old, held a record of 73 appearances for the Italian national team during his playing career.
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