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Italy’s World Cup woes deepen as manager Gattuso quits

Italy’s football crisis intensified on Friday as manager Gennaro Gattuso stepped down following the national team’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time.

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Saturday, April 4, 2026

MILAN : The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) confirmed Gattuso’s resignation, marking one of three major departures in just two days as pressure mounted over the team’s continued struggles on the global stage.

Gattuso, a former Italy international, acknowledged the disappointment in a statement, noting that his tenure ended without achieving the primary objective of securing World Cup qualification. He described leading the national side as a “great honour,” while praising the players for their commitment and strong connection to the national jersey.

Italy’s latest setback came after a crucial defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-offs, which sealed their elimination and extended their absence from football’s biggest tournament. This marks the third consecutive World Cup the four-time champions will miss, a historic low for one of football’s most storied nations.

The fallout extended beyond the managerial position. Just a day earlier, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina also stepped down, taking responsibility for the team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 edition of the tournament.

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