Manager Gennaro Gattuso and Italy have mutually agreed to terminate his contract following a disappointing failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy missed out on the chance to play in this summer's tournament after losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia-Herzegovina in a tense playoff.
Gattuso, who earned 73 caps for Italy during his playing days, took over the national team in June, winning six out of eight matches but ultimately falling short in key moments.
In an emotional post-match press conference, Gattuso expressed his regrets and stated, With a heavy heart, after not meeting our goals, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over, illustrating the burden of his role.
He continued, The Azzurri jersey is the most precious asset in football, which is why it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start. It has been an honor to lead the national team among players who have shown commitment and devotion to the jersey.
Gattuso's departure comes after the resignation of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) head Gabriele Gravina and the departure of former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon from his role. Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, has not qualified for football's biggest stage since 2014, marking a grim chapter in their football history with three consecutive missed tournaments.
