Gianluigi Buffon has stepped down from his position with the Italy national team following the resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso, after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The legendary former goalkeeper said it was the right moment to walk away and allow new leadership to choose his successor. “It’s only fair to leave to those who come after me the freedom of selecting who will replace me,” Buffon said. “Representing the national team is an honor and a passion that has embodied me since I was a kid.”
His departure comes in the aftermath of Italy’s shocking play‑off defeat to Bosnia‑Herzegovina, where the four‑time world champions were beaten 4–1 on penalties. The loss extended a historic and painful run of World Cup absences, deepening the crisis surrounding Italian football. Italy have now missed the 2018, 2022 and 2026 FIFA World Cups, marking the first time in their history they have failed to qualify for three consecutive tournaments.
The latest failure means Italy will go at least 16 years without appearing on football’s biggest stage, a staggering decline for a nation once considered one of the sport’s global powerhouses. Buffon’s exit adds another layer of upheaval as the federation prepares for yet another rebuild in the wake of Gattuso’s resignation.
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