Italy manager Cesare Prandelli resigned Tuesday after Azzurri's elimination from the 2014 World Cup. He made the announcement at the post-match press conference following Italy's 1-0 loss to Uruguay and cited his failed game plan as the reason for leaving.
Failing to qualify for the round of 16 provided enough incentive for Prandelli to resign after his first World Cup as Italy's boss.
"I talked to the president of the federation... and gave my resignation," Prandelli said during the post-match press conference, via FIFA.com. "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."
President Giancarlo Abete also announced his resignation following Italy's first-round exit.
"I will go to the board and offer my irrevocable resignation too," Abete said. "I had already made this decision before the World Cup."
Italy started strong against England with a 2-1 win, and then followed it with a surprising 1-0 loss to Costa Rica. Italy's match against Uruguay was scoreless and tight until after midfielder Claudio Marchisio was sent off with a straight red for an inappropriate challenge, leaving Azzurri with 10 men on the pitch.
"The match was well-balanced in equal numbers, but the sending-off changed it all," Prandelli said.
Prandelli came onboard as manager after the national team released Marcello Lippi as coach following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.
Despite not making it to the second round, Prandelli praised his squad's accomplishments, adding: "A second European Championship, third at the Confederations [Cu[] and the qualification obtained in advance should not be under-estimated."
