Italy’s soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday amid political pressure, two days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Leadership Changes Following Disappointment

Gravina’s decision was quickly followed by Gianluigi Buffon stepping down as the national team’s delegation chief. This is also expected to lead to the departure of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso.

Calls for Overhaul

Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for a change in the country’s soccer leadership after Gravina oversaw two unsuccessful World Cup qualifying campaigns. “It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled,” Abodi stated on Wednesday, “and that process needs to start with new leadership at the FIGC.”

Playoff Defeat Seals Fate

Italy’s hopes of reaching the 2024 tournament in North America were dashed on Tuesday with a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff.

Buffon's Departure

Buffon, a key member of Italy’s 2006 World Cup-winning team and the national team’s record appearance holder with 176 caps, was instrumental in hiring Gattuso. “It’s only fair to leave to those who come after me the freedom of selecting who will replace me,” Buffon said. He added that representing the national team has been “an honor and a passion that has embodied me since I was a kid.”

History of World Cup Struggles

Gravina took charge of the federation in 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. The defeat to Bosnia adds to a string of disappointments, following playoff losses to Sweden and North Macedonia in the previous two World Cup qualifying cycles.

Italy’s World Cup struggles extend back to 2010 and 2014, when they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Their last knockout stage appearance was in 2006, culminating in a World Cup victory over France.

Gravina's Mixed Legacy

Despite the recent failures, Gravina did oversee Italy’s triumph at the 2021 European Championship.

Calls for Systemic Change

Italian coaches association president Renzo Ulivieri noted, “Soccer has been in trouble since 2006.” Players’ association president Umberto Calcagno emphasized the need for new regulations to promote the use of more Italian players in Serie A, stating, “A rapid change needs to be made.”

Election and Parliamentary Hearing

An election to determine the new FIGC president has been scheduled for June 22. Gravina has also announced his intention to attend a parliamentary hearing next Wednesday to discuss “the wellbeing of Italian soccer.”

Potential Replacements for Gattuso

Gattuso assumed the role after Luciano Spalletti’s dismissal, inheriting a team already facing challenges. Potential replacements for Gattuso include Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte, and Massimiliano Allegri.

UEFA Role and Future Infrastructure

Gravina also serves as a top vice president at UEFA. UEFA statutes allow him to remain in this role even after leaving the FIGC, unless the new leadership demands his removal. He was re-elected last year and has three years remaining in his term.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin stated, “Gabriele is my first vice president and is very important to me.”

Beyond revitalizing the national team, the new FIGC president will also be responsible for preparing Italy’s stadiums for the 2032 European Championship, which Italy is co-hosting with Turkey. Ceferin warned, “I hope that the infrastructure is ready. Otherwise the tournament won’t be played in Italy.”