Gennaro Gattuso’s Potential Departure as Italy Head Coach
Gennaro Gattuso is expected to step down from his role as the head coach of the Italian national team following a significant setback in their qualification campaign for the FIFA World Cup. This decision comes after two prominent figures within the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) resigned, marking a major shift in the country’s football landscape.
Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time has been a devastating blow. The team was defeated 4-1 in a penalty shootout by Bosnia and Herzegovina in a crucial play-off match. This loss not only ended their hopes of reaching the World Cup but also made them the first nation to have won the trophy fail to make three straight editions of the finals. They had previously missed the 2018 and 2022 tournaments.
The fallout from this defeat has already seen the resignation of FIGC president Gabriele Gravina and legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who served as the head of their delegation. Gravina had urged Gattuso to remain as manager just hours before stepping down during an emergency meeting at the FIGC headquarters in Rome.
Reports indicate that Gattuso may take a few days to decide on his future, but it is widely expected that he will follow Gravina and Buffon out of his position. However, there are suggestions that he could stay on to manage friendlies in June, allowing time for a successor to be appointed.
Potential Candidates for the New Coach
Corriere Dello Sport has reported that two former Italy managers, Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, are among the favorites to succeed Gattuso. Mancini previously led Italy after their failure to reach the 2018 World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura. He famously guided the team to Euro 2020 victory, maintaining a 37-match unbeaten run. However, he stepped down ahead of the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, later taking charge of the Saudi Arabian national team.
Mancini’s departure led to legal action from the FIGC, but the matter was eventually resolved. Gravina’s exit has reportedly removed an obstacle to a potential return. Mancini, currently managing Al-Sadd in Qatar, is said to be favored by one of the contenders to become FIGC president, Giovanni Malago.
Conte, who previously coached Italy between 2014 and 2016, is another strong candidate. His tenure saw Italy reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, where they beat defending champions Spain. He is now contracted to reigning Italian champions Napoli.
Other names being discussed include AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri and Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho. Pep Guardiola, despite being a dream candidate, is considered unlikely due to his current role with Manchester City.
FIGC’s Leadership Changes
In a statement, the FIGC announced that a vote to elect a new president will be held on June 22 following Gravina’s resignation. Buffon quickly confirmed his resignation, stating it was an act of responsibility. He expressed his feelings on Instagram, acknowledging the emotional impact of the loss and the need for the team to move forward.
Buffon emphasized the importance of allowing those who come after him the freedom to choose the best person for the role. “It’s right to leave those who come after me the freedom to choose the person they deem best to fill my role,” he wrote.
Player Criticism and Infrastructure Concerns
Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni has faced heavy criticism following Italy’s failure to qualify, particularly for his red card when the team was leading 1-0. Beppe Bergomi, a member of Italy’s 1982 World Cup-winning team, warned that Bastoni may need to leave Italy for his own safety due to the growing backlash.
Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin issued a warning to Italy regarding their ability to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey. He highlighted concerns about the condition of their stadiums, stating that if the infrastructure is not ready, the tournament may not be held in Italy.
