Italy have sacked manager Gian Piero Ventura after his failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, the Italian Football Federation [FIGC] have confirmed.
After initially refusing to resign, the 69-year-old was relieved of his duties on Wednesday afternoon, with a press release stating: “As the first point of order of the day, [FIGC President Carlo] Tavecchio communicated the choice on the guidance of the Azzurri and, as of today, Giampiero Ventura is no longer the Head Coach of the national team.”
The Azzurri, who last missed out on the international showpiece in 1958, finished second in their qualifying group behind Spain, setting them up for a play-off with Sweden.
The general consensus that was, against a side ranked ten places below them by Fifa, the four time world champions would qualify with ease.
However, after a two-legged tie ended with Daniele de Rossi arguing with Ventura, Gianluigi Buffon in tears and Sweden at the World Cup, the outcome looked inevitable.
Former Chelsea and Bayern Munich manager Carlo Ancelotti is the bookies favourite to take on the role, with Antonio Conte still among the favourites.
