Gennaro Gattuso resigns as head coach of Italy following World Cup failure

The Azzurri missed out on a place at the tournament after losing on penalties to Bosnia in Tuesday's qualification play-off final.

Gattuso, who won the World Cup with Italy as a player, leaves after less than a year in charge - having taken over from Luciano Spalletti.

"With a heavy heart, and having fallen short of the goal we set ourselves, I feel my time as head coach of the national team has come to an end," Gattuso said in a statement.

"The Azzurri shirt is the most precious thing in football, and for that reason it's only right to make way immediately for the federation's future decisions.

"It has been an honour to lead the national team, especially with a group of players who have shown such commitment and dedication."

Head of Italy's football federation Gabriele Gravina and national team general manager Gianluigi Buffon have also resigned.

Gattuso won six, drew one and lost one of his games in charge of the Azzurri.

Former Italian head coaches Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte are two names that have been put forward as replacements for Gattuso.

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