Italy sack manager Giampiero Ventura after Azzurri fail to qualify for World Cup

The Italians were beaten to the penultimate spot at Russia 2018 by Sweden after losing 1-0 on aggregate to their Scandinavian opponents

Giampiero Ventura looks on after the final whistle in Milan (Getty)

The Italian FA have sacked Giampiero Ventura as the national manager after his side failed to qualify for next summer’s World Cup.

The Azzurri were beaten to the penultimate spot at Russia 2018 by Sweden after losing 1-0 on aggregate to their Scandinavian opponents.

Trailing 1-0 to a Jakob Johansson goal scored in Friday's first leg in Stockholm, the Italians failed to break the deadlock at a sold-out San Siro.

This is the first time since 1958 that Italy have failed to qualify for the World Cup finals.

And in the wake of Monday’s 0-0 draw in Milan, Ventura has been removed from his position as manager.

“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.

“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,” read a statement.

During the meeting Tevecchio was asked by Damiano Tommasi, the Italian Footballers' Association president, if he intended to resign, and stormed out when he was told "No".

The Italian media has largely placed the blame for a poor qualifying campaign and dismal play-off attempt at the door of head coach Ventura, who was under contract until 2020.

Writing in the wake of Italy’s World Cup upset, La Gazzetta wrote "Ventura, now it's over" while identifying Carlo Ancelotti as his potential successor.

The former Chelsea boss is out of work after leaving Bayern Munich earlier this year.

"Whoever comes in will have to rebuild from rubble and work towards Euro 2020," read the article.

"The most fancied name is Ancelotti but there is the possibility (Chelsea boss Antonio) Conte will return, as he is a bit tired of England.

"Very welcome alternatives would be (Roberto) Mancini and (Massimiliano) Allegri, if they can leave their respective roles at Zenit St Petersburg and Juventus."