Gattuso confirms his exit
Rino Gattuso has ended his spell as Italy head coach after failing to meet the target set for the national team. In a statement released by the Italian Football Federation, the contract between Gattuso and the Azzurri was terminated by mutual agreement.
"With pain in my heart, having not achieved the objective we had set ourselves, I consider my experience on the national team bench to be over," Gattuso said.
He added that the Italy shirt is "the most precious thing in football" and said it was right to allow future technical evaluations to begin immediately.
Gattuso leaves after the loss in Bosnia and Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Thanks to Gravina, Buffon and the fans
In his statement, Gattuso thanked FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, Gianluigi Buffon, and all the federation staff for their trust and support.
"It has been an honor to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of players who showed commitment and attachment to the shirt," he said.
He reserved his biggest thanks for the supporters.
"But the biggest thank you goes to the fans, to all the Italians who never stopped showing their love and support for the national team in these months. Always with the blue shirt in my heart."
Gravina praises Gattuso’s impact
Gravina, who is serving as FIGC president in a caretaker capacity, responded by thanking Gattuso for his contribution.
"I want to thank Gattuso once again because, beyond being a special person, as a coach he made a valuable contribution, managing in just a few months to bring enthusiasm back around the national team," Gravina said.
He added that Gattuso had transmitted "great pride in the blue shirt" to the players and to the country.
