Italy's national football team has parted ways with head coach Gennaro Gattuso after a disappointing playoff loss to Bosnia-Herzegovina on penalties, resulting in the team's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks a troubling trend for Italy, as it is the third consecutive World Cup they have missed. Gattuso, who took over in June 2023, was tasked with reviving the team's fortunes after the previous coach, Luciano Spalletti, was sacked following a defeat to Norway. Despite a promising start, including five consecutive wins in the group stage, Italy's hopes were dashed in the playoff final. Gattuso expressed his disappointment, stating, “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.” The FIGC is now faced with the challenge of finding a new coach to lead the Azzurri forward.