Italian football has been left in complete disarray after a triple blow at the top after federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned, legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as head of delegation, and head coach Gennaro Gattuso terminated his contract, all in the space of a few hours following Italy’s elimination from World Cup qualification at the hands of Bosnia on penalties.
Gattuso said in a statement: “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.”
The FIGC confirmed all departures, thanking Gattuso and his staff for their “professionalism, dedication and passion” over the past nine months.
Italy now enters one of the most turbulent periods in its football history, without a president, without a head of delegation, and without a head coach, having missed a third consecutive World Cup.
A new federation president is expected to be elected after June 22, with names such as Massimiliano Allegri and Antonio Conte being discussed as potential next coaches.
Silvio Baldini, the current Under-21 coach, is being considered as interim manager for summer friendlies against Luxembourg and Greece.
