Back to the Soccer Newsfeed

Ventura denies resigning but strongly hints at exit after Italy failure

Related Topics: Italy, Gian Piero Ventura

The Azzurri will not be at the World Cup for the first time since 1958, but their coach has not yet left his position

Gian Piero Ventura insists he has not yet resigned as Italy boss, but strongly hinted that his time as head coach is over after the Azzurri's humiliating failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

A goalless draw against Sweden in Milan on Monday consigned Italy to a 1-0 aggregate defeat and means they miss out on football's global showpiece for the first time in 60 years.

Reports in Italy suggested Ventura's position was in jeopardy regardless of whether they qualified, and their failure at San Siro immediately led to rumours he had tendered his resignation.