Source - https://www.veeinsider.com/sports/italy-sack-gian-piero-ventura-after-failure-to-qualify-for-2018-world-cup/

Italian Football Federation have sacked coach Gian Piero Ventura following their failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

For the first time since 1958 Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup.

According to The Guardian, in a statement on Wednesday night the Italian federation announced that the Ventura’s 16-month reign was over.

“At the meeting convened by the chairman, Carlo Tavecchio, which was attended by the presidents of the federal members a discussion was had following the failure of the national team to qualify for the 2018 World Cup,” the statement read.

“As a first point on the agenda, Tavecchio communicated a decision of the technical guidance committee, and to date, Gian Piero Ventura is no longer the national team head coach.”

Ventura 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.

“I lost only two games in two years,” he had told Italian television show Le Iene in a brief interview.

A decision is yet to be taken on who will replace Ventura, with Tavecchio telling reporters after the meeting that the federation have been “thinking of important names” to replace Ventura.

Source - https://www.veeinsider.com/sports/italy-sack-gian-piero-ventura-after-failure-to-qualify-for-2018-world-cup/