Leadership in the Italian soccer federation faces a shake-up as President Gabriele Gravina and former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon resign following Italy's failure to qualify for another World Cup. Gravina announced his resignation during a FIGC meeting, calling for a presidential vote on June 22. This marks Italy's third consecutive absence from the tournament and a historic low as the first former champions to miss three straight World Cups. Buffon expressed deep regret over his resignation, citing the team's failure to achieve their primary goal of World Cup qualification. The future of coach Gennaro Gattuso remains uncertain despite Gravina's support for him.

By the Numbers
  • Italy has failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, having last participated in 2014.
  • The team lost to 66th-ranked Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout during the European playoffs.
State of Play
  • Gabriele Gravina's resignation activates a leadership transition in Italian soccer.
  • An elective assembly is set to choose a new president on June 22, 2023.
What's Next

Italy's soccer federation will undergo leadership change as new candidates emerge for the presidency. The future of coach Gennaro Gattuso will soon be addressed, which could influence team dynamics moving forward.

Bottom Line

The resignations of Gravina and Buffon highlight a critical moment for Italian soccer, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and a renewed focus on qualifying for future World Cups. Their departures signal a potentially transformative period for the federation.