Italian football has been plunged into further uncertainty after federation president Gabriele Gravina stepped down following the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Gravina, who had led the Italian Football Federation since 2018, resigned on Thursday amid mounting pressure from government officials and growing public criticism. Italy’s hopes of reaching the tournament ended in a playoff defeat on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina on 31 March — confirming a third consecutive World Cup absence.
The decision marks a significant moment for Italian football, which has struggled to rediscover consistency since its last World Cup appearance in 2014. Despite lifting the UEFA Euro 2020 title — played in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic — the national side has endured a prolonged period of underachievement on the global stage.
In a statement, the federation confirmed that an extraordinary assembly will be held on 22 June to elect a new president. Gravina has also offered to appear before a parliamentary committee on 08 April to address concerns surrounding the current state of Italian football.
The Azzurri’s decline has sparked widespread debate about structural issues within the domestic game, from youth development to governance. The latest setback has intensified calls for reform, with Italy now facing a critical period of reflection and rebuilding ahead of future international competitions.
