Gennaro Gattuso is anticipated to resign from his position as the head coach of Italy’s national football team. This follows the resignation of two significant figures within the Italian football association after the team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.

On Tuesday night, Italy faced a heartbreaking defeat, losing 4-1 in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina during a crucial play-off match. This loss marked a grim milestone for Italy, a nation that has won the World Cup four times, as they became the first former champion to miss out on three straight World Cup tournaments, having previously failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 finals in Russia and Qatar, respectively.

In a dramatic twist, Gravina, one of the key figures, had urged Gattuso to continue as the team manager just hours before stepping down himself during an emergency meeting at the headquarters of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome.

According to reports from Italy, Gattuso is expected to take a brief period to contemplate his next move. However, the prevailing belief is that he will follow in the footsteps of Gravina and Buffon by relinquishing his role.

There is speculation that Gattuso might still lead the team in friendly matches scheduled for June, which could allow for a smoother transition to a new coach. This interim period would provide the Italian football association with additional time to appoint a suitable successor.

Gennaro Gattuso is expected to step down from his role as Italy head coach

Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Gattuso is expected to follow delegation head Gianluigi Buffon, left, and Italian football federation president Gabriele Gravina in resigning from their roles

There are suggestions Gattuso could yet remain to take charge of friendlies in June, providing time for a successor to be appointed.

Corriere Dello Sport report that two contenders have already emerged as favourites to succeed Gattuso in former Italy bosses Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte.

Mancini took charge of Italy previously after they failed to reach the 2018 World Cup under Gian Piero Ventura.

The former Man City boss memorably led Italy to Euro 2020 glory as part of a 37-match unbeaten run. He was, however, in charge when Italy failed to reach the Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup after losing a play-off to North Macedonia.

Mancini stunningly resigned ahead of their Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, later taking charge of the Saudi Arabian national team.

The FIGC took legal action over Mancini’s departure, but the case was later resolved and Gravina’s exit has reportedly removed an obstacle of a possible return.

Mancini, who is currently Al-Sadd manager in Qatar, is said to be favoured by one of the contenders to become FIGC president Giovanni Malago, who oversaw the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Conte had previously coached Italy between 2014 and 2016, with his departure to become Chelsea boss confirmed prior to Euro 2016.

Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 glory, is seen as an early contender to succeed Gattuso

Antonio Conte, who led an underwhelming squad to the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, is viewed as another leading contender for the role

He was credited with leading one of Italy’s weakest squads to the quarter-finals of the tournament, beating defending champions Spain in the last-16 before falling to world champions Germany after extra time in the last eight.

Conte is currently contracted to reigning Italian champions Napoli.

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri and Benfica head coach Jose Mourinho have been among those also touted in the Italian press, while Man City manager Pep Guardiola is thought to be a dream, but unlikely candidate.

In a statement, the FIGC said a vote to elect a new president will be held on June 22 following Gravina’s resignation.

Buffon swiftly confirmed his resignation, with the 2006 World Cup winning goalkeeper saying it was ‘an act of responsibility’.

‘Resigning a minute after the end of the match against Bosnia was an urgent act, one that came from deep within me. As spontaneous as the tears and the ache in my heart that I know I share with all of you,’ Buffon wrote on Instagram.

‘I was asked to wait until everyone had the time to reflect.

‘Now that President Gravina has chosen to step back, I feel free to do what I feel is a responsible act, because, despite my sincere belief that I have built so much in terms of team spirit and team spirit with Rino Gattuso and all my collaborators, in the very short time available to the national team, the main objective was to bring Italy back to the World Cup. And we didn’t succeed.

Alessandro Bastoni, seated, was advised to leave Italy amid the backlash to his red card which contributed to their failure to qualify

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, right, defended Gravina over Italy’s failure to qualify as he warned they could lose Euro 2032 co-hosting rights over their infrastructure

‘It’s right to leave those who come after me the freedom to choose the person they deem best to fill my role.’

Inter Milan star Alessandro Bastoni has been among the Italian players most heavily criticised following their failure to qualify, with his red card when leading 1-0 viewed as a major turning point.

Beppe Bergomi, who played for Inter and was part of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning team, warned on Thursday that Bastoni may have to leave the country amid the growing criticism. 

“I think he’ll have to leave Italy for his own safety,’ Bergomi said on Radio Nerazzurra.

‘We’re losing an extraordinary talent, one of the best defenders in modern football. 

‘I’m very sorry, but I think for his own good he’ll have to look for a club abroad.’ 

Amid Italy’s crisis, they were dealt a warning from UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin that they could be stripped of the right to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey due to the condition of their stadiums.

‘Euro 2032 is scheduled and will take place. I hope the infrastructure will be ready,’ Ceferin told Gazzetta dello Sport, while defending his UEFA vice-president Gravina.

‘Otherwise, the tournament will not be played in Italy.

‘Perhaps it is Italian politicians who should be asking themselves why Italy has some of the worst football infrastructure in Europe.’