Gattuso's Selfless Act: Forgoing Severance Pay for Italy Staff Compensation

Gennaro Gattuso reportedly waived his severance pay following his recent exit from the Italy national team, ensuring his coaching staff received proper compensation. This decision highlights a recurring pattern of selflessness from the former midfielder throughout his coaching career.

Gattuso's Departure from the Azzurri

Gattuso's departure as head coach of the Italy national team was mutually agreed upon last Friday. This followed the Azzurri's penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday, a defeat that saw Italy miss out on World Cup qualification for the third consecutive tournament.

He had been at the helm for less than a year, having taken over from Luciano Spalletti in June 2025.

The official announcement of Gattuso's exit came on Friday, three days after the Bosnia playoff final, and slightly after the news of Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon's departures from the FIGC and national team structures.

Reports indicate that the delay in announcing Gattuso’s departure was primarily to ensure that severance packages for his coaching staff were finalized.

A History of Prioritizing His Team

Further information suggests Gattuso relinquished the salary he was due for the remainder of his Italy national team contract, prioritizing swift and adequate compensation for his staff.

This act of self-sacrifice is not new for Gattuso, who has previously foregone personal earnings to support his team or ensure amicable departures.

For instance, in 2019, Gattuso departed AC Milan without receiving severance pay, despite having extended his contract until 2021. He reportedly waived his remaining salary to ensure his coaching staff received full compensation for the duration of their contracts.

Similar reports indicate that Gattuso also agreed to contract terminations without severance pay after his tenures at OFI Crete, Pisa, and Hajduk Split.