November 17 – Italy have sacked coach Giampiero Ventura after the four-time champions failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958.
The Azzurri lost their playoff with Sweden 1-0 on aggregate to spell the end of 69-year-old Ventura’s 17-month tenure.
With the whole country – and much of world football – still in shock in over Italy’s absence from next year’s finals, Ventura, who was under contract until 2020, defended his record, saying he lost only two games in two years.
However, Italy took one point out of a possible six against group winners Spain in qualifying and also drew at home to Macedonia.
“I can only apologise to the Italians, not for the will or effort but for the result, which as I know is the main thing,” said former Napoli and Sampdoria boss.
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