The prevailing theme for Gian Piero Ventura’s run as Italy coach was that the 69-year-old journeyman manager was in far over his head.
Having never coached a major club before taking over the national team last year, Ventura covered himself in disgrace on Monday when four-time champion Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time in six decades.
Ventura was widely criticized for poor tactical decisions before and after Sweden’s 1-0 aggregate win over the Azzurri.
After the scoreless draw in the second leg, it was a foregone conclusion he will be fired according to a contract stipulation in case of a failed qualification, unless he resigns.
“I’m not resigning because I haven’t
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