Italy Parts Ways With Manager After World Cup Disappointment

Italy and manager Gennaro Gattuso have agreed to mutually terminate his contract after the team failed to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. This marks the third consecutive World Cup that Italy will miss, a disappointing outcome for one of the sport's historic powerhouses.

The decision comes just days after Italy's shocking playoff defeat to North Macedonia, which saw the Azzurri eliminated from World Cup contention. Gattuso, who took over as manager in 2021, was unable to guide the team back to the global tournament despite their status as European champions.

{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}

In a joint statement, the Italian Football Federation and Gattuso said the decision to part ways was made "in a cordial manner" and with the "best interests of Italian football" in mind. The former Milan and Napoli boss leaves his post after less than a year in charge.

The failure to qualify for the World Cup is a major setback for Italy, who were looking to bounce back from their Euro 2020 triumph. The team's inability to reach the global stage will have significant financial and reputational consequences, as they miss out on the lucrative tournament and the exposure it brings.

{{IMAGE_PLACEHOLDER}}

The search for a new Italy manager will now begin in earnest, with the Italian Football Federation tasked with finding a leader who can guide the team back to the World Cup and restore their standing as one of the sport's elite nations. The next major tournament on the horizon is the 2024 European Championships, which Italy will be desperate to qualify for.