Gennaro Gattuso has stepped down as head coach of Italy after the national team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for a third consecutive time, sending shockwaves across Italian football.

A member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning squad, Gattuso departs less than a year after taking charge, with the Azzurri continuing to lag behind European rivals such as France and Spain in recent years.

Italy’s hopes were dashed following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Tuesday’s qualification play-off final — a result that ultimately sealed Gattuso’s fate.

The fallout from the elimination also saw the resignation of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina, who had initially urged Gattuso to remain in the role. The departure of national team general manager Gianluigi Buffon further paved the way for Gattuso’s exit.

Gattuso was appointed in June last year after Luciano Spalletti was dismissed, following a disappointing Euro 2024 campaign and a heavy 3-0 loss to Norway, led by Erling Haaland, in their opening World Cup qualifier.

Despite posting a respectable record of six wins, one draw, and one defeat in eight matches — scoring 22 goals and conceding 10 — results in crucial games proved costly.

The lone draw came in a 1-1 result against Bosnia, which led to the decisive penalty shootout where Italy missed twice. His only defeat was another heavy blow — a 4-1 loss to Norway at the San Siro.

Gattuso’s appointment had been questioned by critics due to his inconsistent record at club level, and pressure mounted following Italy’s failure to secure World Cup qualification.