The president of Italy’s football federation resigned on Thursday under political pressure, just two days after the national team was unable to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Gabriele Gravina’s resignation was swiftly followed by Gianluigi Buffon stepping down as the head of the national team’s delegation, which is likely to result in the dismissal of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso as well.
Italy’s Sports Minister Andrea Abodi had urged for a change in the leadership of the country’s soccer following Gravina’s management of two disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns.
“It is clear to everyone that Italian soccer requires a complete overhaul,” Abodi stated on Wednesday, “and that transformation must commence with new leadership at the FIGC [federation].”
Italy’s hopes of participating in this year’s tournament in North America were extinguished on Tuesday after a defeat in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina during a qualifying playoff.
Buffon was the goalkeeper for the World Cup-winning squad in 2006 and holds the record for the most appearances for Italy, with 176 caps as a player.
“It is only right to allow those who follow me the opportunity to choose my successor,” Buffon remarked. “Representing the national team is a privilege and a passion that has been a part of me since childhood.”
Gravina assumed leadership of the federation in 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy failed to qualify for that year’s World Cup.
The loss to Bosnia added to the disappointment for four-time champions Italy, who were previously eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in the qualifying playoffs for the last two World Cups.
Italy’s World Cup difficulties trace back to 2010 and 2014, when the team did not progress beyond the group stage on both occasions.
The Azzurri’s last knockout match in the World Cup occurred in 2006, when they secured the title by defeating France in the final after a penalty shootout.
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Gravina did oversee Italy’s triumph in the European Championship in 2021.
“Soccer has faced challenges since 2006,” remarked Renzo Ulivieri, president of the Italian coaches association.
Umberto Calcagno, president of the players’ association, emphasized the need for new regulations to encourage the inclusion of more Italian players in Serie A: “A swift transformation is essential.”
An election has been scheduled for June 22 to appoint a new president of the FIGC.
Gravina also indicated that he would participate in a hearing in Italy’s parliament next Wednesday to discuss “the wellbeing of Italian soccer.”
