By Our Correspondent
National News – Italy’s top football official, Gabriele Gravina, has resigned following the men’s national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive FIFA World Cup.
Gravina made the announcement on Thursday after a meeting at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters in Rome, ending his tenure as the federation’s president.
Italy’s elimination came after a tense play-off match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, decided by a penalty shoot-out.
The loss means Italy will miss the 2026 World Cup finals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
The shocking defeat prompted Gravina, 72, to accelerate his resignation, which he had initially planned to announce next week.
A vote for a new FIGC president is scheduled for June 22.
Giovanni Malagò, former head of the Italian Olympic Committee and president of the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics organizing committee, is among potential candidates.
Gravina’s resignation also leaves Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso’s future uncertain, as his contract was extended at Gravina’s request and expires this summer.
Gravina assumed office in October 2018 after Carlo Tavecchio stepped down following Italy’s play-off loss to Sweden.
The pinnacle of his leadership was Italy’s Euro 2020 victory under Roberto Mancini, a campaign in which the Azzurri went unbeaten for 37 matches and defeated England at Wembley.
However, repeated World Cup qualification failures and a disappointing European title defense have overshadowed this success.
The resignation also sparked controversy after Gravina referred to other sports as “amateur” compared to football.
Italy, however, continues to excel globally in various disciplines, including a record 30 medals at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics and 40 medals at the 2024 Paris Summer Games.
Tennis star Jannik Sinner, a four-time Grand Slam winner, remains one of Italy’s top sporting talents.
Italy now faces a period of uncertainty in football administration while maintaining strong performances in international sports.
