Gravina Urges Gattuso to Stay Despite Italy's Third Consecutive World Cup Qualification Failure

Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattuso faces an uncertain future following the Azzurri's failure to qualify for the World Cup finals for the third consecutive time.

This elimination came after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European play-off final, a match in which Italy played with ten men after defender Alessandro Bastoni was sent off in the 41st minute.

Following the elimination, Gattuso declined to discuss his future with the team, stating: "I am absolutely not interested in talking about my future today."

Conversely, Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), publicly expressed support for the coach, who took over in June last year, succeeding the dismissed Luciano Spalletti. Gravina affirmed his desire for Gattuso to continue, despite the automatic contract renewal clause until 2028, which was contingent on World Cup qualification, not being activated.

Gravina praised the efforts made by the technical staff during the recent period. The FIGC president stated: "I must commend Gattuso; I believe he was a wonderful coach, and he is a great coach. I have asked him to remain in his position to lead these players."

The FIGC board is expected to hold an official meeting next week to assess the situation and discuss the repercussions of this new World Cup absence, following previous eliminations by Sweden and North Macedonia in past play-offs.