Italy FIFA World Cup: A Third Consecutive Qualification Failure

By Ananya Rao / 03.04.2026

Why has Italy failed to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the third consecutive time? The answer lies in a series of disappointing performances, culminating in a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina during the qualifying playoffs.

Italy’s national team, under the leadership of coach Gennaro Gattuso, was unable to secure a spot in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. This failure marks a significant moment for Italian football, as it has not appeared in the World Cup since 2014.

Gattuso, who was appointed in June 2025 on a one-year contract, stepped down following the team’s inability to qualify. “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,” he stated. His tenure included a six-match winning streak before a loss to Norway, but ultimately, the team let slip a 1-0 lead in the crucial playoff match.

In a related development, Gabriele Gravina resigned as president of the Italian Football Federation just a day before Gattuso’s resignation. Gravina’s departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding the future of Italian football, which has been in decline since the Calciopoli scandal.

Italy’s football federation expressed gratitude towards Gattuso for his dedication and passion during his time as coach. Gattuso acknowledged the importance of the Azzurri shirt, stating, “The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it is right to facilitate future technical assessments with immediate effect.”

Roberto Baggio had previously proposed a complete overhaul of Italian football in 2010, highlighting ongoing issues within the sport. Currently, only two Italian clubs remain in European competitions, indicating a broader decline in the country’s footballing prowess.

As Italy reflects on its recent failures, the focus now shifts to how the federation will address these challenges and what steps will be taken to revitalize the national team. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the future coaching staff and strategic direction.

With the next World Cup approaching, the Italian football community is left to ponder what changes are necessary to restore the nation’s once-glorious football legacy.