Italy FA chief resigns after World Cup failure

KATHMANDU: The Chair of the Italian Football Federation, Gabriele Gravina, has resigned following Italy’s failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive time.

Gravina stepped down on Thursday after a federation meeting, taking responsibility for the national team’s latest setback.

Italy were eliminated on Tuesday in the European play-off qualifiers, losing on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina, meaning they will miss the tournament to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The defeat has also prompted the resignation of former Italy captain Gianluigi Buffon from his role within the coaching staff.

Gravina, 72, had been under mounting pressure after a series of disappointing results for one of world football’s traditional powerhouses.

A new presidential election is scheduled for 22 June, with Giovanni Malagò, a former head of the Italian Olympic Committee, emerging as the leading candidate.

Italy’s head coach Gennaro Gattuso is also expected to leave his position, despite having been urged by Gravina to remain in charge until the end of the season.

A member of Italy’s World Cup-winning squad, Gattuso has been unable to guide the team back to football’s biggest stage.

Gravina had led the federation since 2018, when he replaced Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy failed to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

The high point of Gravina’s tenure came with Italy’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2020 under coach Roberto Mancini.

The team went on a remarkable 37-match unbeaten run and defeated England in the final at Wembley Stadium.

However, since that success, Italy have failed to qualify for two World Cups and delivered a disappointing campaign as defending European champions.

Gravina also faced criticism in recent months after accusing other sports in Italy of lacking professionalism.

This comes despite broader sporting success for the country.

Italy won a record 30 medals, including 10 golds, at the most recent Winter Olympics, and secured 40 medals at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.