GIAN PEIRO VENTURA has been sacked by Italy after their embarrassing World Cup exit.
The 69-year-old has paid the price after the play-off defeat to Sweden cost the four-time world champions a place at Russia 2018.
Italy were unable to overturn a 1-0 deficit from the first leg against the Swedes and were held to a goalless draw at the San Siro in the return match on Monday. That ensured that they failed to reach the World Cup for the first time since 1958, causing huge humiliation for one of the powerhouses of international football. Ventura was heavily criticised for his poor decisions throughout the disastrous qualification campaign.
Even in his last match in charge he found himself blasted by Daniele De Rossi after he told the Roma legend to warm-up. With Italy desperately needing a goal, the defensive midfielder embarked in an angry exchange with the former boss and told him to send on attacker Lorenzo Insigne instead.
His sacking does not come as a shock, the only surprise being that it has taken 48 hours to be confirmed after one of the worst night's in the nation's footballing history. Following the humiliation, Ventura said his defended his record in charge and claimed it was "one of the best of the last 40 years". Before confirmation of his sacking, he told Le Iene: "I lost only two games in two years." The former Torino, Napoli and Sampdoria manager replaced now Chelsea man Antonio Conte in June 2016 and was described as a "master of football" by IFF president Carlo Tavecchio after his appointment.
However, he was unable to guide to them Russia after failing to beat Spain twice in the group and also being held by Macedonia - forcing them into the doomed play-off clash. Tavecchio has also offered to resign after the shambolic campaign, but this has been rejected by the federation. Despite his defence over his record at the helm, Ventura was quick to say sorry to the nation after the draw two days ago.
He said: "I can only apologise to the Italians, not for the will or effort but for the result which I know is the main thing."
Early reports have suggested that Carlo Ancelotti, who was dismissed by Bayern Munich earlier this season, is the man Italy want to revive their fortunes.
From The Sun
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