It’s now official – Gattuso has resigned from the Italian national team

He promised, and he delivered. After Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has now also lost national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.

The legendary AC Milan player had stated in October that he would take responsibility if he led the team to the World Cup—or otherwise step down and live away from his homeland. After the Azzurri suffered a humiliating defeat in Zenica, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina and missing out on a third consecutive World Cup, popular Rino had no choice but to honor his promise.

Whether he will remain abroad in the years to come remains to be seen, but Gattuso recognized the moment and accepted responsibility for the failure.

“With a heavy heart, since we did not achieve the goal we set for ourselves, I believe my time as national team coach has come to an end. The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, and it is only right to make things easier for future leaders from the very beginning,” Gattuso said.

The legendary Italian did not forget those who stood by him during this chapter with the national team.

“I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, as well as all the staff at the Federation, for the trust and support they have always shown me. It was an honor to lead the national team, to coach players who showed commitment and loyalty to the jersey. But the greatest gratitude goes to the fans, to all Italians who never missed a chance to show love and support for the national team during these months. Always with the Azzurri in my heart,” Gattuso concluded.

It is now up to the Italian Football Federation to find a new coach, someone who can guide the four-time world champions back onto the desired path. However, his name is unlikely to be known before June 22, when the elections for the new FIGC president are scheduled, the person who will ultimately decide Gattuso’s successor.

Nevertheless, Italian media are already speculating heavily about who it might be, with the candidates reportedly including Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, and there is even talk of Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola.