LONDON: Gian Piero Ventura has been sacked as Italy coach after the four-time champions failed to reach the World Cup finals.
The veteran coach’s fate was sealed after a crisis meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome yesterday.
The 69-year-old had refused to resign despite a 1-0 aggregate playoff defeat to Sweden on Monday saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time in 60 years.
That brought with it a lot of soul searching in a country passionate about football and the success of the the national team.
“As of today Gian Piero Ventura is no longer the coach of the national team,” the FIGC said in a statement.
Ventura had defended his leadership as “one of the best records in 40 years’ despite failing to lead the five-time winners to their 19th World Cup.
“I lost only two games in two years,” he had told Italian television show Le Iene in a brief interview.
Since the former Torino coach took over in July 2016, Italy have lost three matches — against France in Bari (3-1), Spain in Madrid (3-0) and against Sweden in the World Cup first-leg playoff in Solna (1-0) — winning nine and drawing four.
Former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has already been touted by the Italian press as the favorite to replace Ventura, as the 58-year-old Italian is free since being sacked by Bayern Munich at the end of September.
In another managerial change following the World Cup playoffs Belgian Marc Wilmots has left his job as Ivory Coast coach after failing to lead the side to the tournament in Russia.
Wilmots departed after six months in charge, the Ivorians’ 2-0 home loss to Morocco on Saturday ensuing they finished runners-up in their qualifying group and missed out on the tournament in Russia.
“We had a meeting on Nov. 13 and agreed on an amicable parting of ways, while welcoming the good atmosphere that prevailed during the six months of working together,” the Ivorian Football Federation said in a statement.
But while Ventura and Wilmots won’t be at the World Cup, one man put his hand up to make the showpiece.
Diego Maradona criticized the faltering Argentina team and appealed for another chance at managing the national side.
A day after they lost 4-2 to Nigeria in a friendly in Russia, Maradona, who last managed Argentina at the 2010 World Cup, hit out the current set up in a short Instagram message.
“I am angry because they have thrown away our prestige, but it’s not the fault of the lads,” he said. “I WANT TO COME BACK!!!”
Maradona, who is currently coach of United Arab Emirates side Al-Fujairah, posted statistics of 11 recent Argentina managers that showed his success rate was 75 percent, greater even than that of Cesar Luis Menotti, who won the World Cup in 1978, and Carlos Bilardo, who lifted the trophy in 1986 when Maradona was at his brilliant playing best.
Not ace for Ventura as Italy coach gets sack
Not ace for Ventura as Italy coach gets sack
International field confirmed for LIV Golf Promotions at Black Diamond
- The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem
NEW YORK: LIV Golf on Monday announced the preliminary field for the third edition of LIV Golf Promotions, set for Jan. 8–11, 2026, at the acclaimed Black Diamond Ranch in Lecanto, Florida.
The four-day, 72-hole stroke play event presents one of the most dynamic entry points into the global golf ecosystem, offering coveted spots in the 2026 LIV Golf League and The International Series, sanctioned by the Asian Tour.
Highlighting the global aspect of the LIV Golf League, leading players from all over the world are eligible to participate, with 87 players representing 24 countries registered to compete.
This year’s field features a strong blend of emerging global talent and proven professionals, with an average age of 30 years old, including former top-50-ranked players, Ryder Cup and Presidents Cup participants, winners on the PGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Asian Tour, and additional rising stars in the game.
“The evolution of LIV Golf Promotions reflects our continued commitment to creating truly open and competitive pathways for players from all over the world to compete at the sport’s highest levels,” said LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil.
“We’re seeing world-class talent, from decorated former amateurs to experienced professionals, all seizing the opportunity to compete for their place in the League alongside major champions, Hall of Famers, and rising stars.”
LIV Golf Promotions will consist of four rounds of 18-hole stroke play. Those who finish in the top 20 and ties from the first round will advance to Friday’s second round, where scores will reset, and the field will be joined by a category of players who automatically qualified for day two of competition. The top 20 players and any ties following round two will advance to the third day of competition, with scores reset once more. A 36-hole shootout will commence, and at Sunday’s conclusion, the top two finishers will earn two highly coveted spots in the LIV Golf League for 2026, as well as $200,000 for first place and $150,000 for second place. The top 10 finishers, including ties, will earn full exemption into the 2026 International Series.
The current field features many standout names, including:
• Chris Wood (England): 2016 Ryder Cup player and three-time European Tour winner
• Pablo Ereno (Spain): 2025 Palmer Cup player and former sixth-ranked player in World Amateur Golf Rankings
• Miguel Tabuena (Philippines): Two-time Olympian and third-ranked player in 2025 International Series standings
• Christopher Wood (Australia): Current top-ranked player on the PGA Tour of Australasia
• Yuxin Lin (China): Two-time Asia-Pacific Amateur Champion
• Alex Levy (France): Five-time DP World Tour winner.
LIV Golf League players without a 2026 team commitment who finished the season in the Open Zone (25th-48th), as well as relegated players (49th-54th), also have an opportunity to secure their playing rights for the 2026 season.
Several returning LIV Golf players are entered in the field, including Ben Campbell, who competed with RangeGoats GC and finished the season ranked 36th in the LIV Golf standings; Matt Jones, formerly of Ripper GC, who concluded the year in 40th place; and Anthony Kim, a three-time PGA Tour winner and former world No. 6 who was a member of the victorious 2008 US Ryder Cup team, finishing the season ranked 55th.
For more information, including the list of eligibility criteria, visit LIVGolf.com.
