Gian Piero Ventura's reign as Italy coach ended on Wednesday after a World Cup qualifying fiasco during which the four-time champions failed to reach next year's finals in Russia. The 69-year-old's fate was sealed after a crisis meeting of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) in Rome, with former Chelsea and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti among the favourites to take over and rebuild the Azzurri.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) Carlo Tavecchio (C) arrives to speak to journalists outside the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters on November 15 2017, in Rome. Gian Piero Ventura was sacked as Italy coach today 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. The 69-year-old had refused to resign despite a 1-0 aggregate play-off defeat to Sweden on Monday saw Italy miss the World Cup for the first time in 60 years. Pic/AFP