Alberto Zaccheroni, who resigned as Japan's manager after his side's humbling first-round exit at the ongoing World Cup in Brazil, returned home to Italy on Tuesday.

The 61-year-old Zaccheroni, who spent four years managing Japan in the build-up to the World Cup, expressed his regret to be leaving under the disappointing circumstances.

"I was able to spend a wonderful time over these four years. But I am extremely sad," Zaccheroni said before boarding his flight at Narita Airport.