Italy Football Chief Backs Gattuso Amid World Cup Failure

(L-R) Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, and FIGC President Gabriele Gravina during the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-off between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino | Image: GettyImages

Italy football chief backs Gattuso amid World Cup failure. Gabriele Gravina asks Gennaro Gattuso to stay as Italy coach after World Cup exit...

Gravina wants Gattuso to continue as Italy Coach...

Italy football chief, Gabriele Gravina, happy with Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon management of the national team despite their World Cup exit. Italy lost 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina after a 1-1 draw in Zenica, marking their third consecutive World Cup absence.

Gattuso and Buffon are expected to remain in their roles until June, giving the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) time to decide on their next steps. Gravina has called a meeting with the Federal Council to discuss the team's future, amid calls for his resignation.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina has asked Gennaro Gattuso to stay on as Italy's coach and Gianluigi Buffon to continue overseeing the football side. “I've asked him to stay and asked (Gianluigi) Buffon to stay in charge of the football side,” Gravina told reporters.

Buffon, a legendary Italian goalkeeper, has a role within the FIGC involving oversight of the senior and youth national teams. This move comes as Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, sparking calls for Gravina's resignation.

Gennaro Gattuso, Italy's coach, has shrugged off the possibility of staying on despite FIGC President Gabriele Gravina's invitation. When asked if he'd accept the offer, Gattuso said, “The defeat hurts too much,” and added that his future “wasn't important.”

🚨🇮🇹 Italian Federation president Gabriele Gravina: “I’ve asked Gennaro Gattuso to stay and continue”. pic.twitter.com/bOtbNSu8Ox

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 31, 2026

Gattuso's response comes after Italy's heartbreaking World Cup exit, losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina. 

Gennaro Gattuso, a World Cup winner as a player in 2006, was appointed Italy coach in June 2025, replacing Luciano Spalletti. His contract was set to expire after the World Cup, and despite Italy's failure to qualify, FIGC President Gabriele Gravina has asked him to stay on.

Gravina has announced he won't step down, but his position as FIGC head will be reviewed at a board meeting next week, amid calls for his resignation following Italy's World Cup exit.