Manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italy have agreed to “mutually terminate” his contract following their failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy missed out on a place at this summer’s showpiece event when they were beaten 4-1 on penalties by Bosnia-Herzegovina in Tuesday’s play-off.
Gattuso, who won 73 caps for the Azzurri during his playing career, was appointed as Luciano Spalletti’s successor in June and won six of his eight games.
At the post-match press conference, an emotional Gattuso apologized for the defeat and admitted that it was “difficult to digest”.
Gattuso said, “With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goals we set, I recognize that my time as national team coach has come to an end.”
