Gabriele Gravina has formally stepped down as President of the Italian Football Federation following Italy’s shocking failure to qualify for the World Cup for a third consecutive tournament cycle.
The resignation came during an emergency meeting of the FIGC general council after the Azzurri’s play-off final loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening.
An election to choose Gravina’s successor is scheduled for June 22.
Among those present at the emergency meeting were Serie A President Ezio Simonelli, Serie B President Paolo Bedin, Serie C President Matteo Marani, President of the amateur leagues Giancarlo Abete, players’ association chief Umberto Calcagno, and coaches’ association leader Renzo Ulivieri.
Gravina had led the Italian football body since October 2018. While the national team lifted the Euro 2020 trophy during his tenure, it failed to qualify for both the 2022 and 2026 World Cups under his leadership. Italy had also missed out on the 2018 World Cup prior to his appointment.
During his presidency, Gravina oversaw the appointments of Luciano Spalletti and Gennaro Gattuso as national team head coaches in 2023 and 2025 respectively.
Following the latest World Cup disappointment, there were growing calls from fans and prominent figures in Italian football for Gravina to step down.
Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi commented on Wednesday: “it’s evident that Italian football needs to be rebuilt, and this process must start with a renewal of the FIGC leadership.”
Who will succeed Gravina as FIGC President remains uncertain.
