Gattuso Parts Ways with Italy After World Cup Hopes Dashed

Italy's football coach Gennaro Gattuso resigned after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. His nine-month tenure ended following a playoff defeat to Bosnia. Gattuso's exit coincided with Italy’s soccer federation president's resignation.

In a shocking development, Italy's national football coach, Gennaro Gattuso, stepped down from his position on Friday. This resignation comes on the heels of Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

The Italian soccer federation expressed gratitude towards Gattuso for his "dedication and passion" during his short tenure, which lasted only nine months. The team's hopes were dashed after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a tense penalty shootout during the playoffs.

Gattuso's departure was announced a day following the resignation of Italy's soccer federation president, Gabriele Gravina, alongside delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon. The loss adds to Italy's woes, having previously been ousted by Sweden and North Macedonia in earlier World Cup qualifying playoffs.

(With inputs from agencies.)