Gianluigi Buffon and Gennaro Gattuso set to depart Italian national team

Following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Gianluigi Buffon is expected to resign from his role as head of the national team delegation. This decision follows the team's loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-offs, where a 1-1 draw in Zenica was followed by a 4-1 defeat in a penalty shootout. The 48-year-old Buffon, who has held the position since August 2023, is set to leave alongside national team coach Gennaro Gattuso. While Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina initially requested that both remain, reports confirm Gravina has now departed his own post, triggering further organizational changes. Although Buffon previously suggested he and Gattuso would stay until June, current reports indicate an earlier departure. This marks the third consecutive time Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup, a period extending since 2014.