The Italian Football Federation announced the termination of the contract with coach Gennaro Gattuso, the head coach of the Italian national team, following the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

The decision to leave came after the Italian national team lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoff final, resulting in the Azzurri missing the World Cup. Subsequently, both parties reached an amicable agreement to terminate the contract.

Gattuso said in statements on the official website of the Italian Federation: "With a heavy heart, and after failing to achieve the goal we set for ourselves, I consider my period of coaching the national team to have ended."

He added: "The Azzurri jersey is the most valuable asset we have in the world of football, and therefore it is right to facilitate future technical assessments from the outset."

He continued: "I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with all the federation staff, for their constant trust and support. It has been an honor for me to lead the national team and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and dedication to the jersey."

He concluded: "The greatest thanks go to the fans and to all the Italians who supported the team during these months. The Azzurri will always remain in my heart."

Gattuso took charge of the Italian national team last September, but his tenure ended quickly after failing to qualify for the World Cup.