Gianluigi Buffon steps down as Italy head of delegation after World Cup failure

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·3 avril 2026

Gianluigi Buffon steps down as Italy head of delegation after World Cup failure

Gianluigi Buffon has resigned as Italy head of delegation after the failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

Italy were knocked out by Bosnia in the play-offs, drawing 1-1 after extra time and losing 1-4 on penalties. In a post on X, Buffon said the main aim had been to take Italy back to the World Cup and that target was missed.

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He added that stepping aside would allow his successor to choose whoever they consider best to perform the role.

His decision followed the resignation of Italian federation president Gabriele Gravina, announced earlier on Thursday. Buffon had served as head of delegation since 2023.

In the role, the former Juventus and PSG goalkeeper was behind the appointment of Gennaro Gattuso as head coach. That choice has not proved successful, and Gattuso is expected to leave his post soon.

Source: L'Équipe