Gabriele Gravina has resigned as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) 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 & Herzegovina in their qualification play-off final.
That defeat means Italy will miss the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament.
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. The Italian national team experienced major success and significant setbacks during his tenure.
The most notable triumph came when Italy won the 2020 European Championship.
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 play-offs 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 Roberto Mancini, 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. Personally, I apologise for not reaching the World Cup.”
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 UEFA’s executive committee.
His resignation signals a major leadership change as Italian football begins another period of reflection following its latest World Cup disappointment.
