ROME (AP) — The president of Italy’s soccer federation resigned under political pressure Thursday, two days after the national team’s match. Could not obtain qualification 3 times in a row world cup.
Gianluigi Buffon resigned as head of the national team shortly after Gabriele Gravina’s decision, which is likely to lead to the sacking of the manager. Italy national team coach Gennaro Gattusotoo.
Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi Gravina called for change in the country’s soccer coaching staff following the disappointing results in two World Cup qualifying matches.
“It is clear to everyone that Italian football needs a thorough review,” Abodi said on Wednesday. “That process needs to start under the new leadership of the FIGC (federation).”
Italy lost in a penalty shootout to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the qualifying playoffs on Tuesday, ending their chances of competing in this year’s North American tournament.
Buffon was the goalkeeper for the 2006 World Cup winning team and is Italy’s record holder with 176 appearances as a player. He was behind Gattuso’s appointment.
“It is only natural that I leave the freedom to choose who will replace me to those who come after me,” Buffon said. “Representing the national team is an honor and a passion that has embodied me since childhood.”
Gravina took over as head of the federation in 2018, replacing Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup.
The defeat in Bosnia was even more devastating for four-time champions Italy. Sweden and north macedoniarespectively, in the last two World Cup qualifying playoffs.
Italy’s World Cup struggles date back to 2010 and 2014, when they failed to make it out of their group.
The last time the Azzurri reached the World Cup finals was in 2006, when they defeated France in the final on penalties.
Gravina oversaw Italy’s European Championship trophy in 2021.
“Football has been in a difficult situation since 2006,” said Renzo Ulivieri, president of the Italian coaches’ association.
Players’ association president Humberto Calcagno said new rules were needed to encourage more Italian players in Serie A, adding: “We need changes quickly.”
An election was called on June 22 to elect a new FIGC president.
Gravina also announced that he will attend a public hearing in the Italian Parliament next Wednesday to discuss the “health of Italian football”.
Mancini, Inzaghi, Conte, Allegri
Gattuso was appointed as coach in June to replace the sacked Luciano Spalletti, but the team was already in crisis mode after losing to Norway in the opening qualifying round.
The Azzurri then won six games in a row and lost to Norway in November, finishing second in their group and making it to the play-offs again.
Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri have all been named as potential candidates to replace Gattuso.
Mancini led Italy to the European Championship title in 2021 and then took charge of the Saudi national team after failing to get the Azzurri to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
Inzaghi led Inter Milan to the Serie A title in 2024 and is currently managing Saudi club Al Hilal.
Conte coached Italy at the 2016 European Championship and currently plays for Napoli.
Allegri currently plays for AC Milan.
Gravina is UEFA vice president
Gravina is also UEFA’s Supreme Vice-President to Alexander Ceferin.
UEFA legislation requires members of the executive committee to also be senior executives at the FA, but Gravina could remain in his role at UEFA as a lame duck unless the new FIGC leadership demands his removal.
Gravina was re-elected by UEFA last year and has three years left in his current term.
“Gabriele was my first vice president and is a very important person for me,” Ceferin told Gazzetta dello Sport on Thursday after watching the play-offs in Bosnia.
euro 2032
In addition to revitalizing the national team, Gravina’s successor will also be tasked with preparing Italy’s aging stadiums to host the 2032 European Championship.
Italy will co-host Euro 2032 with Türkiye.
“We hope that the infrastructure will be ready,” Ceferin said. “Otherwise, the tournament would not be held in Italy.”
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