Monday 20 November 2017 16:09, UK
Italian FA president Carlo Tavecchio has resigned at a federal council meeting as Italy continue their search for a new manager.
The 74-year-old was set to present his programme for the Italy team's future at the meeting, which would have then been voted upon, but instead announced he was stepping down.
Tavecchio had been under fire since Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup next year - the first time they have missed out on a major tournament in 60 years.
There had been widespread calls in the Southern European country for him to resign.
Tavecchio gave an interview to Italian media ahead of his departure in which he suggested that Chelsea boss Antonio Conte was top of the list to succeed the sacked Gian Pierro Ventura.
The Italian FA has spoken to out-of-work veteran boss Carlo Ancelotti about taking over as head coach, according to Sky Italy, but the 58-year-old is keeping his options open.
And Tavecchio was quoted as saying to Gazzetta: "We are seeking the best. [Massimiliano] Allegri, [Roberto] Mancini, [Carlo] Ancelotti....these are the names I say 'getting warmer' to.
"And Conte? Fire."
"It was all the fault of Ventura, he chose the staff, he has done all of it. We as a federation have never interfered."
