Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina has asked Gattuso and Buffon to remain with the national team after missing the FIFA World Cup.
Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina has urged Gennaro Gattuso to remain as head coach and called on Gianluigi Buffon to continue overseeing the football side of the national setup following Italy’s play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Italy’s elimination came after a 1-1 draw in Zenica was followed by a 4-1 penalty shootout loss, sealing a third consecutive absence from the FIFA World Cup. The result marked an unwanted milestone, as the four-time champions became the first World Cup winners to miss three straight editions of the tournament.
This year’s competition will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico, making Italy’s absence even more striking given the expanded format. Gravina moved quickly after the defeat, publicly backing both Gattuso and Buffon to remain in their roles.
Buffon currently holds a position within the federation that involves overseeing both senior and youth national teams. Gravina stressed the importance of continuity, suggesting stability was needed to rebuild after another disappointing qualifying campaign.
Gattuso, however, appeared reluctant to discuss his future immediately after the match. When asked about Gravina’s request, the former midfielder insisted that the pain of defeat outweighed any consideration of his role. He described the loss as deeply hurtful and said the focus should remain on the team’s disappointment.
A World Cup winner as a player in 2006, Gattuso took charge in June last year after replacing Luciano Spalletti. His current contract runs until after the next World Cup cycle, but uncertainty remains following the failure to qualify.
Gravina also addressed speculation about his own position, confirming he would not step down. Instead, he revealed that discussions regarding leadership and future direction would take place at a federation board meeting scheduled for next week, as Italian football reflects on another major setback.
