Gennaro Gattuso has resigned as head coach of the Italian national football team after his team failed to qualify for the World Cup. This was announced by the press service of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

On March 31, the Italian national team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina (1-1, 1-4 on penalties) in the final match of the 2026 World Cup playoffs. The Italian team will miss its third consecutive World Cup.

"Having failed to achieve my goal, I believe my time as coach of the national team has come to an end," Gattuso said. "I would like to thank all the staff of the federation for the trust and support they have always shown me." "It has been an honor to manage the national team and work with players who have demonstrated dedication and commitment. My deepest gratitude goes to the fans and all Italians who have consistently shown their love and support for the national team over the past few months."

Gattuso, 48, took over the Italian national team in June 2025. He previously coached Italian clubs Palermo, Pisa, Milan, and Napoli, Swiss side Sion, Greek side OFI, Spanish side Valencia, French side Marseille, and Croatian side Hajduk Split. Under his leadership, Napoli won the 2020 Coppa Italia.

During his playing career, Gattuso played for Italian clubs Perugia, Salernitana, and Milan, Scottish side Rangers, and Swiss side Sion. With Milan, he won two Italian championships and the Italian Super Cup, two Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and one Coppa Italia. Gattuso played for Milan from 1999 to 2012, making 468 appearances, scoring 11 goals and providing 19 assists. He won the 2006 World Cup with the Italian national team in Germany, and played 73 matches for the national team, scoring one goal.