Official: Gattuso is no longer Italy coach after World Cup fiasco | OneFootball

Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso has terminated his contract with the FIGC by mutual consent following a World Cup play-off elimination, the Italian FA confirmed in a statement.

Gattuso and the FIGC have terminated their agreement by mutual consent, a statement confirmed on Friday.

Gattuso replaced Luciano Spalletti in June 2025 and made his debut as the new Azzurri coach in September 2025 with a 5-0 win over Estonia.

The FIGC thanked Gattuso and his staff for the “commitment and passion” they put in over the last nine months and wished them “the best for the continuation of their careers.”

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row on Tuesday night, losing the play-off Final against Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: Head coach of Italy Gennaro Gattuso gestures during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also resigned following Italy’s elimination, and so did Delegation Chief Gigi Buffon.

Italy have two friendly games in June, but it’s unlikely they’ll have a new coach by then, given that the new FIGC President will be elected in June 2022.

Gattuso comments on his Italy exit

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Coach Gennaro Gattuso of Italy looks on during the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“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.

BERGAMO, ITALY – SEPTEMBER 05: Gennaro Gattuso, Head Coach of Italy during the National anthems prior to the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Italy and Estonia at Stadio di Bergamo on September 05, 2025 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)

“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.”