Italy and Gennaro Gattuso End Contract Following World Cup Miss
Gennaro Gattuso, who was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad as a player, has mutually agreed to terminate his contract as Italy's national team manager after the team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy's hopes of participating in the upcoming World Cup were dashed following a 4-1 penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the play-off match held on Tuesday.
Gattuso, capped 73 times for Italy during his playing career, took over the managerial role in June, succeeding Luciano Spalletti. During his tenure, he secured six wins out of eight matches.
In an emotional post-match press conference, Gattuso expressed regret over the outcome and acknowledged the difficulty of the situation.
"With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set ourselves, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over," Gattuso stated.
"The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, which is why it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start.
It has been an honour to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and devotion to the jersey."
Captain Donnarumma Commits to Rebuilding Italy
Following the disappointment, Italy's captain Gianluigi Donnarumma has vowed to restore the national team's standing after this significant setback.
The defeat has been described by many Italians as a 'third apocalypse' in terms of World Cup failures, marking a difficult period for the nation's football community.
FIGC President Resigns Amidst Crisis
In the wake of the failure to qualify, Gabriele Gravina resigned from his position as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on Thursday.
Additionally, former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who had been closely involved with the national team, stepped down as delegation head, announcing his resignation via Instagram.
Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, last participated in the tournament in 2014. The current failure means Italy has missed three consecutive World Cups, including Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, a first for any previous World Cup winner.
Who Could Replace Gattuso? - Five Top Contenders
Massimiliano Allegri
Widely regarded as a fan favorite for the vacant managerial position, Massimiliano Allegri has a strong record in Italian football. Currently managing AC Milan, where he returned for a second spell in May, Allegri might be reluctant to leave the club role for the national team.
His managerial career began in Italy's lower leagues before taking charge of Milan in 2010, winning Serie A in his first full season. He later had two successful spells at Juventus, securing five Serie A titles, before returning to Milan last year.
Roberto Mancini
Roberto Mancini, aged 61, is another potential candidate for the role. He led Italy to victory at Euro 2020, defeating England in the final, and oversaw a record 37-match unbeaten streak.
Mancini resigned in August 2023 after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and had a brief tenure managing Saudi Arabia's national team. Currently, he manages Qatari club Al-Sadd. His managerial accolades include leading Manchester City to their first Premier League title and successes with Lazio and Inter Milan.
Antonio Conte
Antonio Conte, under contract with Napoli until 2027, is also linked with a return to the national team. He previously managed Italy to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals before stepping down to focus on club management.
Conte boasts an impressive club record, winning three consecutive Serie A titles with Juventus, a Premier League and FA Cup with Chelsea, and additional league titles with Inter Milan and Napoli.
Fabio Cannavaro
Fabio Cannavaro, captain of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning team, represents a less conventional choice. Currently managing Uzbekistan, leading them to their first World Cup appearance this summer, Cannavaro might consider returning to manage Italy post-tournament.
Though a national legend, his managerial experience is limited compared to other candidates.
Stefano Pioli
Stefano Pioli, former AC Milan and Fiorentina manager, is currently without a club and would likely welcome the opportunity to lead the national team.
Pioli, aged 60, has also managed Lazio and Inter Milan, securing one Serie A title with AC Milan in 2022.
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