CONFIRMED: Gattuso and FIGC announce departure

Rino Gattuso\'s resignation as Italy coach has now been made official.

Gattuso leaves the post after this week's World Cup playoff defeat in Bosnia, where the Azzurri lost on penalties. It means Italy have now missed the past three World Cup finals.

FIGC announced this morning: "The Italian Football Federation and Gennaro Ivan Gattuso have mutually terminated the contract that bound the Calabrian coach to the bench of the Italian national football team.

"The FIGC thanks Gattuso and his entire staff for the professionalism, dedication, and passion with which they have worked over the last nine months and wishes them every success for the rest of their careers."

Meanwhile, Gattuso stated: "With a heavy heart, having failed to achieve the goal we set ourselves, I consider my time as coach of the national team to be over.

"The Azzurri shirt is the most precious asset in football, which is why it's right to facilitate future technical evaluations right from the start. I would like to thank President Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon, along with all the Federation's staff, for the trust and support they have always shown me.

"It has been an honor to lead the national team, and to do so with a group of players who have shown commitment and devotion to the shirt.

"But the greatest thanks go to the fans, to all Italians who have never failed to show their love and support for the national team over these months. Always with the Azzurri in my heart."