"The main objective was to bring Italy back to the World Cup. The former Valencia, Marseille and Hajduk Split boss told the FIGC website: "With pain in my heart, having failed to achieve the target we set ourselves, I am bringing an end to my experience as national team boss. It was an honour to lead the national team and I did it with a group of lads who always showed fight and devotion to the shirt. Having also failed to reach Russia 2018 and Qatar 2022, four-time champions Italy are the first former winners to miss out on three consecutive World Cups. The 48-year-old said: "The main objective was to bring Italy back to the World Cup.

Source: BBC April 04, 2026 06:36 UTC