Italy FA president resigns after World Cup qualification failure

• Gabriele Gravina resigns as Italian Football Federation president following political pressure
• Italy national football team miss a third consecutive World Cup after playoff defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team
• Leadership changes extend to Gianluigi Buffon, with further decisions expected regarding head coach Gennaro Gattuso

Gabriele Gravina has resigned as president of the Italian Football Federation following mounting political pressure after Italy failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

The decision came two days after Italy national football team were eliminated in a qualifying playoff by Bosnia and Herzegovina national football team after a penalty shootout defeat. The result ended Italy’s chances of reaching the upcoming tournament in North America.

Gianluigi Buffon stepped down from his role as delegation chief shortly after Gravina’s resignation. His departure is expected to be followed by a decision on the future of head coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi had called for leadership changes, stating that reform within Italian football should begin at federation level. Gravina had overseen multiple unsuccessful qualification campaigns during his tenure.

Gravina became FIGC president in 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who also left the role after a World Cup qualification failure. Italy have since been eliminated in playoffs by Sweden, North Macedonia and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The national team’s decline extends to earlier tournaments, with group stage exits at the 2010 and 2014 World Cups. Italy’s last knockout match at the competition came in 2006, when they won the title against France after a penalty shootout.

Gravina’s period in charge included success at the European Championship in 2021, though recent results have renewed scrutiny of the federation’s direction. Renzo Ulivieri, president of the Italian coaches association, stated that structural issues within the game have persisted for years.

Umberto Calcagno, head of the players’ association, called for regulatory changes to increase opportunities for domestic players in Serie A.

An election has been scheduled for June 22 to appoint a new FIGC president. Gravina confirmed he will attend a parliamentary hearing to discuss the condition of the sport in Italy.

Gravina also holds a senior role within UEFA as a vice president under Aleksander Ceferin. Current regulations require executive members to hold national federation positions, though his UEFA role could continue on an interim basis pending a decision by new FIGC leadership.

Ceferin described Gravina as an important figure within UEFA, while also raising concerns about infrastructure ahead of the 2032 European Championship. Italy is scheduled to co host the tournament with Turkey, with stadium readiness identified as a key requirement for hosting matches.

WRITTEN BY

Hailey

Hailey Russell is a football journalist and former Division 1 collegiate athlete in the United States, bringing a unique blend of elite playing experience and professional insight to her work. Currently competing at the professional level in Europe, Hailey combines first-hand knowledge of the modern game with sharp analysis across match reports, player development, and tactical breakdowns.

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