Italy has fired Gian Piero Ventura as manager after they failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

Italy suffered a 1-0 aggregate defeat to Sweden in the World Cup playoffs.

Italy last missed out on the World Cup in 1958.

“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,” the statement read.