Why has Italy’s national football team failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time? The answer lies in a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the qualifying playoffs.
Italy’s football federation confirmed that Gennaro Gattuso, who was appointed as head coach in June 2025 on a one-year contract, has stepped down following this latest failure. Gattuso expressed his regret, stating, “With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over.” His tenure included a six-match winning streak before a loss to Norway, but ultimately, the team could not secure a spot in the tournament.
In a significant shake-up, Gabriele Gravina resigned as president of the Italian Football Federation just a day before Gattuso’s resignation. This leadership change reflects the growing concerns about the state of Italian football, which has been in decline since the Calciopoli scandal.
Italy’s last appearance in the FIFA World Cup was in 2014, and since then, the national team has struggled to regain its former glory. The team let slip a 1-0 lead in the playoff match against Bosnia, further highlighting the challenges they faced in qualifying.
Roberto Baggio, a legendary figure in Italian football, proposed a complete overhaul of the national game back in 2010, emphasizing the need for reform. However, progress has been slow, with only two Italian clubs remaining in European competitions as of 2026.
Italy has won the FIFA World Cup four times, with their last championship victory occurring in 2006. Now, 20 years later, the nation faces a stark reality as they watch other teams compete for the title.
The Italian football community is left to ponder the future. Gattuso’s departure and Gravina’s resignation signal a critical juncture for the Azzurri, as they seek to rebuild and restore their reputation on the international stage.
As Italy grapples with these changes, the question remains: what steps will be taken to ensure that the national team can return to its former status? Details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for the federation and the new coaching direction.
