Former Italy national football team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has announced his decision to step down from his role with the national team following the resignation of head coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Buffon confirmed his departure after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup, marking a historic low for the four-time champions.
“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.”
The decision follows Italy’s shocking play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team, where they lost 4-1 on penalties, extending their absence from football’s biggest tournament.
The latest setback means Italy have now missed three consecutive World Cups, having also failed to qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
As a result, the Azzurri are set to endure at least 16 years without appearing at the FIFA World Cup, a remarkable and unprecedented drought for one of football’s most decorated nations.
