Gattuso and Buffon to Depart from Italy National Team After World Cup Miss
Reports indicate that Gennaro Gattuso is set to resign as head coach of the Italy national football team, with Gianluigi Buffon also expected to step down from his role. This follows the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive tournament cycle.
Italy's hopes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup were dashed after they finished second in their qualification group and subsequently lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during their play-off final. This marks a continued struggle for the Azzurri, who last qualified for the World Cup in 2014 and have not secured a knockout stage victory at the tournament since their triumphant final against France in 2006.
Gattuso took over the national team coaching position last summer, replacing Luciano Spalletti just two games into the 2026 World Cup qualification campaign. Now, various Italian media outlets suggest his imminent departure as CT (Commissario Tecnico).
Gianluigi Buffon, who has served as delegation chief for the national team since August 2023 and played a significant role in Gattuso's appointment, is also reportedly planning to leave his post.
Speculation regarding replacements points towards two prominent figures: Antonio Conte, who previously managed the Nazionale, and Massimiliano Allegri. Both coaches are currently under contract with Serie A clubs, making their potential appointments complex.
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