Gennaro Gattuso failed to break the "black streak" of the Italian national team // Photo: gettyimages.com.
The Italian soccer federation has released an official statement from Gattuso. The contract was terminated by mutual consent of the parties.
“With pain in my heart.”
Gattuso expressed his gratitude to the coaching staff and fans who supported him during his time with the national team since last June.
“With pain in my heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set for ourselves, I believe my time as national team coach has come to an end. It has been an honor to lead the national team and to do so with a group of players who have shown dedication and commitment. I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina, Gianluigi Buffon, and the entire staff of the federation for the trust and support they have always given me. But my greatest gratitude goes to the fans, to all Italians who have consistently shown their love and support for the national team over these months,” Gattuso said.
The decision came days after the Italian national team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a 1-2 draw for a spot at the World Cup. This is the third time in a row failed to qualify for the Mundial, having last participated in 2014 in Brazil.
Gattuso became head coach of the Italian national team in June 2025. At that time, he succeeded Luciano Spalletti.
Gravina headed the federation since February 2025. The election of the new president is scheduled for June 22. It also became known about the resignation of former outstanding goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from the post of head of the delegation of the Italian national team.
