The president of Italy’s soccer federation resigned on Thursday amid political pressure, just two days after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Gabriele Gravina’s departure was soon followed by Gianluigi Buffon resigning as the national team’s delegation chief, a move that may also lead to the dismissal of coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Italy’s sports minister, Andrea Abodi, had previously called for changes in the soccer leadership after Gravina presided over two disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns.
“It’s clear to everyone that Italian soccer requires a major overhaul,” Abodi stated on Wednesday, emphasizing the need for new leadership at the FIGC [federation].
The national team’s hopes of qualifying for this year’s tournament in North America came to an end on Tuesday following a penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs.
Buffon, a key player in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, holds the record for most appearances (176) for the national team and played a role in hiring Gattuso.
“It’s only right to allow those who follow me the freedom to choose my successor,” Buffon remarked. “Representing the national team has been a lifelong honor and passion.”
Gravina assumed leadership of the federation in 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who stepped down after Italy also failed to qualify for that year’s World Cup.
The recent loss to Bosnia further compounds the woes of four-time champion Italy, which has faced elimination from the qualifying playoffs in the past two World Cups against Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively.
Italy’s struggles in World Cup competitions date back to 2010 and 2014, where they failed to advance beyond the group stage on both occasions.
The last time the Azzurri competed in a World Cup knockout match was in 2006, when they triumphed over France in the final on penalties.
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Despite the recent disappointments, Gravina did oversee Italy’s successful campaign at the 2021 European Championship.
Renzo Ulivieri, president of the Italian coaches association, commented, “Soccer has been struggling since 2006.”
Umberto Calcagno, president of the players’ association, stressed the need for new regulations to foster greater use of Italian players in Serie A: “A swift change is imperative.”
An election for a new FIGC president has been scheduled for June 22.
Gravina also mentioned he would attend a parliamentary hearing next Wednesday to address “the state of Italian soccer.”
In addition to his role at the FIGC, Gravina serves as Aleksander Ceferin’s top vice president at UEFA.
UEFA regulations stipulate that members of the executive committee must also hold senior positions within their respective FAs. However, Gravina could potentially retain his UEFA role as a lame duck unless the new FIGC leadership demands his removal.
Having been reelected by UEFA last year, Gravina still has three years left in his current term.
Ceferin remarked in the Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday, following his attendance at the playoff in Bosnia, “Gabriele is my first vice president, and he is very important to me.”
The next FIGC president will not only need to revitalize the national team but also manage the renovation of Italy’s outdated stadiums in preparation for co-hosting the 2032 European Championship alongside Turkey.
“I hope the infrastructure is ready,” Ceferin added. “Otherwise, the tournament won’t be held in Italy.”