Gennaro Gattuso steps down as Italy boss after World Cup failure - ESPN

Gennaro Gattuso has left his role as Italy boss by mutual consent and «with pain in his heart» as the country looks to start afresh following its latest failure to qualify for a World Cup.

The Azzurri suffered a penalty shootout defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday's playoff final in Zenica, prompting both Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon, the former Juventus goalkeeper, to step down the next day.

Head coach Gattuso, 48, followed suit on Friday after taking responsibility for Italy managing to finish only second in their qualifying group, six points behind Norway, leading to a victorious first playoff round against Northern Ireland but then to the fateful showdown in Bosnia.

The former Valencia, Marseille and Hajduk Split boss told the FIGC website: «With pain in my heart, having failed to achieve the target we set ourselves, I am bringing an end to my experience as national team boss.

»The blue shirt is the most special one that exists in football and for that reason I need to leave it in the hands of a new technical team going into the future.

«I must thank president Gravina and Buffon, and all those I've worked with at the federation, for the faith and support they have always given me. It was an honor to lead the national team and I did it with a group of lads who always showed fight and devotion to the shirt. The biggest thank you goes to the fans and to all the Italians who never stopped supporting us, even in these last few months.»

The former AC Milan and Rangers midfielder replaced Luciano Spalletti, who succeeded Euro 2020 winner Roberto Mancini in 2023, just two games into the qualifying campaign.

— Italian soccer prez Gravina,