The four-time World Cup winners suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs on Tuesday, confirming their third successive absence from football's biggest tournament.

Italy Crashes Out in Playoffs Yet Again

Gattuso, who took over from Luciano Spalletti last year, could not guide Italy to the 2026 World Cup in North America. The loss to Bosnia extends a painful trend: Italy were also eliminated by Sweden in 2018 and North Macedonia in 2022.

"I'm not interested at all in talking about my future today," Gattuso said immediately after the match. "It hurts, it really hurts. More than hurting me, it hurts to see this group which has really given everything."

Despite his emotional plea, sources indicate that Gattuso's time as Italy coach is coming to an end. His contract, which included an automatic extension until 2028 if Italy qualified, will now be terminated.

Sports Minister Calls for FIGC President Gabriele Gravina to Resign

The fallout has gone far beyond the pitch. Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has demanded major changes at the top, urging FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to resign.

"It's evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled, and that process needs to start with new leadership at the FIGC," Abodi stated.

Gravina, who survived the 2022 qualifying failure, said he would reflect deeply on the situation next week and did not rule out calling fresh elections for the federation presidency.

Mixed Messages Over Gattuso's Future

While pressure mounts on Gattuso to depart, Gravina publicly praised the coach on Tuesday:

"I have to praise Gattuso. I think he's been a great coach, he is a great coach. I've asked him to stay on in charge of these players."

However, with public anger growing and the World Cup door now closed, Gattuso is widely expected to step down in the coming

Italy's three consecutive World Cup misses represent an unprecedented low for one of football's most successful nations. The Azzurri have won the tournament four times (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), yet they will sit out the 2026 edition alongside previous absences.

Journalist Gabriele Marcotti noted: "Italy have themselves to blame for third straight World Cup miss."

Former Prime Minister Matteo Renzi added: "Unfortunately the third consecutive elimination from the World Cup is not an April Fool's joke. It's a sign that Italian soccer has failed. Soccer isn't just entertainment in our country; it's part of our culture and national identity."

The national team's struggles mirror deeper problems in the domestic game:

• No Italian club has lifted the UEFA Champions League since Inter Milan in 2010.
• All four Italian teams were knocked out before the quarter-finals in this season's European competitions.

These results highlight ongoing issues in youth development, tactical innovation, and overall competitiveness at the highest level.

What Happens Next for Gattuso and Italy?

The FIGC now faces a critical period. With Gravina under fire and Gattuso likely exiting, Italian football stands at a turning point. Fans and experts are demanding comprehensive reforms from leadership changes to improved player pathways to restore the Azzurri's pride and competitiveness.