Gattuso Steps Down As Italy Coach After World Cup Play-off Heartbreak

Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down as head coach of the Italy national football team, the Italian Football Federation confirmed on Friday, April 3, 2026.

Naija News reports that Gattuso’s departure comes after federation president Gabriele Gravina and team manager Gianluigi Buffon both stepped down in quick succession.

In an official statement, the federation said it had reached a mutual agreement to end the Calabria-born coach’s contract and thanked him and his staff for their “dedication, commitment and passion” over the past nine months.

Gattuso said: “It is with a heavy heart that I believe my tenure with the national team has come to an end, as we failed to achieve the goals we set. The Azzurri jersey is the most precious treasure in world football, and therefore, to facilitate future technical evaluations, leaving at this moment is the right decision.

“I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina, Gianluigi Buffon, and all my colleagues at the federation for their constant trust and support. It has been an honor to coach the national team and lead these young men who have shown fighting spirit and love for the jersey. But my greatest thanks goes to the fans, to all the Italian people who have never wavered in their love and support for the national team over these months. Forza Azzurri forever.”

Gattuso took charge in June 2025 and oversaw eight matches, recording six wins and two defeats. Italy finished second in their European World Cup qualifying group behind Norway, forcing them into the play-offs for a place at the FIFA World Cup.

The Azzurri beat Northern Ireland in the semi-finals but fell to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final, confirming Italy will miss the World Cup for a third straight time.