What does it mean for a footballing giant like Italy to fail to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time? The answer is a profound sense of disappointment and a call for change. Italy’s national team, known as the Azzurri, faced a heartbreaking exit after losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the qualifying playoffs.

Gennaro Gattuso, who was appointed as the head coach in June 2025 on a one-year contract, stepped down immediately following this latest setback. “With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we had set ourselves, I consider my time in charge of the national team to be over,” Gattuso stated, reflecting the weight of the moment.

Italy’s last appearance in the FIFA World Cup was in 2014, and since then, the team’s fortunes have declined sharply. Under Gattuso’s leadership, the Azzurri had a promising start, winning five group games before suffering a critical loss to Norway. However, they ultimately let slip a 1-0 lead in the playoff match against Bosnia, sealing their fate.

In a dramatic turn of events, Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation, resigned just a day before Gattuso’s departure. This dual resignation marks a significant moment in Italian football, which has been in decline since the infamous Calciopoli scandal. The once-mighty footballing nation, which has won the FIFA World Cup four times, now finds itself at a crossroads.

Roberto Baggio, a legendary figure in Italian football, had previously proposed a complete overhaul of the sport in Italy back in 2010, highlighting the need for systemic change. His vision remains relevant as Italy’s football struggles to regain its former glory.

As of 2026, only two Italian clubs remain in European competitions, a stark contrast to the nation’s proud footballing history. This decline is further underscored by a 17 percent drop in Serie A revenue during the 2006–07 season, a trend that has continued to affect the league’s competitiveness.

Italy’s football community is now left to ponder the future. Gattuso expressed gratitude towards Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, stating, “I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with everyone at the Federation, for the trust and support they have always shown me.” Yet, the question remains: what will it take for Italy to rise again?

As the dust settles on this latest disappointment, the path forward is uncertain. The Azzurri’s rich history and passionate fanbase demand a response, but details remain unconfirmed regarding the next steps for Italian football. The blue jersey, as Gattuso poignantly noted, is the most precious asset in football, and its future hangs in the balance.

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