Milena Bertolini has announced her departure as the head coach of Italy after their disappointing group stage exit from the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Italy's journey began with a promising 1-0 victory over Argentina, but they suffered a heavy 5-0 defeat against Sweden, leading to their elimination.

The team's fate was sealed in a dramatic manner on Wednesday, as South Africa scored a stoppage-time winner to secure a 3-2 victory, leaving Italy in the third position in Group G.

Bertolini, who took charge in 2017, previously led Italy to an impressive run in the 2019 World Cup, reaching the quarterfinals.

However, their early exit in this year's tournament adds to the disappointment following their performance in Euro 2022, where they finished at the bottom of their group with just one point.

"I leave the national team after so many beautiful and very intense years, which I will always carry with me," Bertolini said on Sunday in a lengthy statement posted on her Instagram.

"It is not always possible to achieve positive results, but I have no doubts about everyone's commitment and good intentions."

A day after Italy's exit, a statement on Instagram signed by "players of the national team" said the team were "not put in a condition" to succeed. The statement was shared by veteran forwards Cristiana Girelli and Barbara Bonansea, among others.

"Too naive and obvious is the search for a scapegoat," Bertolini said. "I do not feel any resentment, and I have no reason to feel or look for a culprit."

Bertolini had said earlier that Italy's dented confidence after the 5-0 defeat to Sweden likely played a major part in their loss to South Africa."We were never afraid. But we didn't feel there was a lot of confidence in us either," the players' statement read.

"The national team is made up of a core of 16 Roma and Juventus players. We think it's fair to ask how a national team made up of this group of players struggles a lot, first at the Euros and now a World Cup.

"The feeling of regret is still strong because we came to this World Cup wanting redemption … We're sure we could have gotten different results if only we'd been put in the condition to do so."