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Analysis/ The shameful elimination, how the absence from the World Cup will affect Italian football leaders
2026-04-01 16:03:29 / SPORT
Gianluigi Buffon has hinted that he and coach Gennaro Gattuso will remain in charge of the Italian national team until June, giving the federation time to find new leadership after the shock World Cup play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties.
Italy were defeated on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final, missing out on a place in the world's biggest football event for the third time in a row.
Following the defeat, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Gabriele Gravina, confirmed that he had asked Gattuso and Buffon, who acts as head of the delegation, to remain in their positions, but it appears the situation remains uncertain.
"This is a delicate moment and we must take the time we need to make the right decisions," Buffon initially said in a press conference.
"It is clear that the sports season ends in June, so it is fair and honest that until then we remain at the disposal of the Federation, the President and all those who have trusted me," added the legendary goalkeeper.
Buffon took a job with the Italian national team in the summer of 2023, while Gattuso has been coach since June 2025. In eight matches, he has managed six wins and two losses.
Italian football is going through a deep crisis, as confirmed by the failure to qualify for the third consecutive World Cup, but also by the problems that clubs face on the European stage.
The future of the national team's leadership is particularly uncertain, as FIGC president Gabriele Gravina has announced that he may call elections next week.
A possible change at the head of the FIGC could also cause changes to the national team's coaching staff.
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