Cesare Prandelli tendered his resignation as Italy crashed out of the World Cup at the group stage for the second straight time - but England's Roy Hodgson continues to insist he's the going nowhere man.
Expectations were low for the Three Lions in Brazil and they duly delivered on that promise - two defeats and a goalless draw, their worst ever return from a World Cup finals appearance.
Compare and contrast the post-match reactions of Prandelli and Hodgson after their respective games in Natal and Belo Horizonte.
"I talked to the president of the federation and gave my resignation," said the Azzurri coach, after a 1-0 defeat to Uruguay. "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."
Now travel 1,100 miles south to the bowels of the Mineirao Stadium as Hodgson dissected England's latest disappointing display, an insipid draw against Costa Rica, a team ranked 18 places below them.
"We are disappointed that it was our final game in the competition because we wanted so much more," he said.
"But I thought there were a lot of positives to take out of the game with young players getting their first taste of World Cup football, which will serve them in good stead going forward."
Disappointed. Plenty of positives. Tired themes for a campaign best forgotten.
England fans paid thousands and travelled in their thousands to support this futile effort.
And amazingly, at the end of the game, they gave Hodgson's troops a standing ovation - not a slow hand-clap but genuine applause and it's surely to their credit.
"We had nothing to play for, and our fans appreciated that by giving us an ovation that, obviously, our results didn't merit," added Hodgson, who retains the full backing in his role from the Football Association.
"We are so sad and disappointed for them because we know what they're going through. We are very grateful for the emotional moment at the end where they showed their support."
Hodgson heads back to the today thinking what might have been. Uruguay and Costa Rica move on face Colombia and Greece while supposed football superpowers Italy and England travel home, leaving the sport spinning on its supposed axis.
Four years ago Wayne Rooney slammed England's travelling supporters for booing him in South Africa but Frank Lampard, in what was likely his 106th and final international appearance, also only had praise.
"It was the end of a disappointing tournament, obviously," he said, somewhat obviously.
"The response of our fans was amazing, it made you proud to be an Englishman playing for the country with fans like that.
"It makes you feel a bit bad we have not given them a longer stay. The young players see that they back the manager and were singing for him.
"They can see the squad is young and the young players will benefit from this bad experience."
Time will tell but when you come to an international tournament and the biggest impression is made by your supporters … something is wrong.
