Italian Football Federation president resigns after World Cup disaster | OneFootball

Gabriele Gravina has resigned as president of the Italian Football Federation following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The federation confirmed Gravina’s resignation on Thursday, two days after Italy were beaten on penalties by Bosnia and Herzegovina in their qualification playoff final.

That defeat means Italy will miss the men’s World Cup for a third consecutive tournament after also failing to reach the 2018 and 2022 editions.

Gravina had been under increasing pressure in recent days as criticism of the national team’s direction intensified across Italian football.

Italian sports minister Andrea Abodi said the situation required significant structural change at the top of the federation.

“It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled,” Abodi said. “That process needs to start with new leadership at the federation.”

Gravina had served as FIGC president since October 2018.

During his tenure the Italian national team experienced both major success and significant setbacks on the international stage.

The most notable triumph came when Italy won UEFA Euro 2020 under head coach Roberto Mancini.

However, the national side has struggled to translate that success into consistent performances in World Cup qualifying.

Italy’s shock elimination to North Macedonia in the 2022 qualification playoffs did not lead to Gravina stepping down at the time.

The team also endured disappointment at Euro 2024, where they were knocked out in the round of 16 by Switzerland.

Gravina oversaw several managerial appointments during his presidency.

Those included Mancini, followed by Luciano Spalletti and current national team coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Gattuso, who replaced Spalletti last summer, apologised after Italy’s defeat to Bosnia ended their qualification hopes.

“The players didn’t deserve to go through something like this,” Gattuso said after the match. “We needed qualification for ourselves, for Italy and for our football.”

“A defeat like this is very difficult to accept.”

Gattuso also took responsibility for the failure.

“Personally, I apologise for not reaching the World Cup,” he added.

The federation confirmed that a new president will be elected on June 22.

Gravina’s resignation was followed by another departure from the national team structure.

Former Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stepped down from his role as head of delegation, a position he had held since August 2023.

Buffon won the 2006 World Cup with Italy and made a record 176 appearances for the national team.

Gravina also served as a vice-president on the executive committee of UEFA.

His resignation signals a major leadership change as Italian football begins another period of reflection following its latest World Cup disappointment.