Cesare Prandelli has offered to resign following the team’s elimination from the World Cup, he told a news conference on Tuesday.
Italy, the four-times world champions, lost 1-0 to Uruguay to finish third in Group D. Prandelli signed a two-year contract extension, covering Euro 2016, shortly before the World Cup began.
“I talked to the president of the federation and gave my resignation,” Prandelli said. “The technical set-up didn’t work, and I take all responsibility for that.
“Something has changed since my contract was renewed. I don’t know why. I chose a certain technical plan and that’s why I’m resigning – because it did not work.”
Prandelli, the former Roma and Fiorentina coach, replaced Marcello Lippi as national team manager in the wake of the 2010 World Cup.
He steered Italy to the final of Euro 2012 where he was widely praised for his coaching methods despite an eventual 4-0 final defeat to Spain.
Italy made a strong start to the 2014 World Cup with victory over England but were left with all to play for in their final group game after an unexpected loss to Costa Rica.
Despite a solid defensive performance Italy were put under increasingly pressure following the sending-off of Claudio Marchisio, and an 81st-minute goal from Diego Godín ensured Uruguay advanced to the knockout stages at the Italians’ expense.
Prandelli added: “A second European Championship, third at the Confederations [Cup] and the qualification obtained in advance should not be underestimated.
“The match was well balanced in equal numbers but the sending-off changed it all.”
Prandelli was not the only man to fall on his sword with the Italian federation president Giancarlo Abete also stepping down.
He said he would recommend that Prandelli change his mind. “I will go to the board and offer my irrevocable resignation too. I had already made this decision before the World Cup,” he said.