Gianluigi Buffon has stepped down from his role as head of delegation for Italy following their failure to qualify for the World Cup.

The decision comes three days after Italy were beaten on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their play-off final to reach the tournament.

Buffon, 48, was appointed by the Italian Football Federation in August 2023, eight days before Roberto Mancini’s role as head coach ended.

The legendary goalkeeper retained his position when Mancini’s successor, Luciano Spalletti, was replaced by Gennaro Gattuso last June. Reports in Italy have suggested Gattuso will also depart imminently.

Buffon oversaw Italy’s EURO 2024 campaign, which ended with a defeat to Switzerland in the last 16 in Germany.

Italy finished behind Norway in their World Cup qualifying group and beat Northern Ireland 2-0 at home in the play-off semi-finals before losing in Zenica.

That result extended a historic run of failure for Italy, who have now missed three straight World Cup tournaments for the first time.

Buffon enjoyed a distinguished international career as a player, winning the World Cup in 2006 – when Gattuso was one of his Italy teammates – and earning 176 caps.

A player at five editions of the finals, Buffon also captained the side for several years.