ZENICA, Bosnia and Herzegovina – Gennaro Gattuso’s tenure as Italy’s head coach is nearing its end following the national team’s stunning playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, eliminating the Azzurri from contention for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This marks the third consecutive World Cup cycle Italy will miss, a historically low point for the four-time champions. The shocking result has triggered immediate fallout, with both Gattuso and head of delegation Gianluigi Buffon expected to depart their roles.
The defeat in Zenica on Tuesday was a heartbreaking blow for Italian football. Despite initial public support from FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, the severity of the failure to qualify has made Gattuso’s position untenable. He took over the team last June with the explicit goal of leading Italy to the tournament in North America, but fell short in a dramatic fashion.
Buffon, a legendary figure in Italian football who transitioned to a leadership role with the national team in August 2023, is also set to leave his post, signaling a complete reset for the Azzurri. The situation underscores the immense pressure and expectations that come with managing the Italian national team, particularly after a period of sustained underperformance on the world stage.
Conte and Allegri Emerge as Leading Candidates
As the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) begins the process of rebuilding, two prominent managers have quickly emerged as frontrunners to take the reins: Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri. Both managers possess extensive experience and a proven track record of success at the highest levels of club football, making them attractive options for the FIGC.
Conte, currently managing SSC Napoli, previously led Italy during a credible Euro 2016 campaign. His tactical acumen and ability to motivate players are highly regarded. Allegri, back in the dugout at AC Milan, also brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for building winning teams. The appointment of either manager would represent a significant shift in direction for the national team.
Inter Milan Players Under Scrutiny After Disappointing Performance
Beyond the managerial change, the performance of several key players has come under scrutiny following the defeat in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Federico Dimarco and Alessandro Bastoni, both defenders for Inter Milan, were singled out for criticism in reports from Yahoo Sports, with Gazzetta dello Sport noting that Nicolo Barella was the only Inter Milan player to meet expectations during the match.
Bastoni’s costly red card late in the first half proved to be a turning point, leaving Italy to play with ten men for the majority of the match. Dimarco’s defensive shortcomings were also highlighted, as he was unhurried to close down Amar Dedic in the build-up to Haris Tabakovic’s equalizing goal. The struggles of these key players contributed to Italy’s inability to secure the crucial victory needed to qualify for the World Cup.
The Azzurri’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup represents a nadir for Italian football. It’s a stark reminder of the challenges facing the national team and the need for a comprehensive overhaul to restore its former glory. The appointment of a new manager and a renewed focus on player development will be crucial steps in the rebuilding process.
The situation is particularly concerning given Italy’s rich footballing history. Missing three consecutive World Cups is unprecedented for the nation, and the pressure to return to the global stage will be immense. The FIGC will need to carefully consider its options and make decisive choices to ensure that Italy can once again compete with the world’s best teams.
Looking Ahead
The coming weeks will be critical as the FIGC navigates the search for a new head coach and begins to assess the squad’s strengths and weaknesses. The priority will be to identify a manager who can instill a winning mentality and develop a cohesive team capable of challenging for major honors. The next competitive fixture for Italy is currently unconfirmed, but the focus will immediately shift to the Euro 2028 qualifying campaign. Fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on the managerial situation and the plans for the future of Italian football.
The fallout from this World Cup qualifying failure extends beyond the pitch. Investigations into alleged incidents during the Bosnian war, unrelated to the recent match, are also ongoing. The Milan public prosecutor’s office is investigating claims that Italian citizens participated in “sniper safaris” during the siege of Sarajevo in the early 1990s, a separate but troubling matter that highlights a dark chapter in the region’s history.
