Gian Piero Ventura's reign as Italy coach ended after a World Cup qualifying fiasco during which the four-time champions failed to reach next year's finals in Russia. Ventura had refused to resign despite a 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden on Monday that saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time since 1958. "As of today Gian Piero Ventura is no longer the coach of the national team," the FIGC said in a statement. But FIGC president Carlo Tavecchio will stay on despite mounting pressure on him to also resign after a defeat which has left a nation traumatised. Ventura, meanwhile, had defended his leadership as "one of the best records in 40 years" despite failing to lead the 1934, 1938, 1982 and 2006 winners to their 19th World Cup.

Source: dna November 16, 2017 06:11 UTC