Italy Misses Out on 2026 World Cup: Gattuso Ready to Step Down After Bosnia Defeat.

Italy’s World Cup 2026 Qualification Failure

According to Novyny.live: Italy’s national team head coach Gennaro Gattuso may resign following a crushing setback in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The Azzurri were eliminated by Bosnia in a playoff, losing 1–4 on penalties. This marks the third consecutive World Cup that Italy will miss, deepening the disappointment for a nation with a proud footballing history.

After the devastating result, Gattuso did not hide his frustration:

“If I can’t take Italy to the 2026 World Cup, I’ll step down and get as far away from this country as possible.” — Gennaro Gattuso

These remarks underscore the seriousness of his intentions and signal potential upheaval in the team’s coaching staff.

Potential Shifts Within the Squad

Beyond Gattuso, major changes are expected across the team. Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon plans to leave the squad following Gattuso’s departure. Meanwhile, Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina is also facing an uncertain future. In light of these developments, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have emerged as the top candidates to take over as the next head coach of Italy’s national team.

The turmoil in Italian football has raised alarm among fans, as a team once considered among the world’s elite now confronts serious challenges. The coming weeks will reveal what decisions are made and how they shape the squad’s future.

Italy’s absence from the World Cup is a significant blow to a country where football is deeply woven into the cultural fabric. Coaching changes could prove pivotal in reviving a team eager to return to the global stage. The choice of a new manager and potential roster transformations may define a new direction for Italian football, drawing intense interest from the sports community and supporters alike.