Sports
Gravina steps down as Italy Football Chief following World Cup exit
Gabriele Gravina has stepped down as president of Italy’s football federation following mounting political pressure, just days after the national team’s failure to qualify for another World Cup.
The resignation comes barely 48 hours after the Azzurri missed out on a third consecutive appearance at the global tournament, deepening concerns over the state of football in the country.
Gravina’s exit is expected to trigger further changes within the national setup, with Italy head coach Gennaro Gattuso likely to leave his role as part of a wider overhaul.
Reacting to the development, Italy’s Sports Minister, Andrea Abodi, called for a major shake-up in the leadership of the game, stressing the need for urgent reforms after back-to-back disappointing qualifying campaigns under Gravina’s watch.
The crisis has intensified scrutiny on the federation, with many calling for a fresh direction to restore Italy’s standing in international football.
“It’s evident to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be overhauled,” Abodi said on Wednesday, “and that process needs to start with new leadership at the FIGC (federation).”
Italy’s hopes of reaching this year’s tournament in North America ended on Tuesday following a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff.
Gravina assumed control of the federation in 2018, replacing Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy failed to reach that year’s World Cup.
The defeat to Bosnia added to Italy’s recent World Cup woes, following eliminations by Sweden and North Macedonia in the qualifying playoffs for the last two tournaments.
Italy’s struggles on the world stage stretch back to 2010 and 2014, when the national team failed to advance from the group stage.
The Azzurri’s last World Cup knockout victory came in 2006, when they won the title by beating France in the final after a penalty shootout.
Gravina did, however, oversee Italy’s European Championship triumph in 2021.
An election has been scheduled for June 22 to select a new FIGC president.
Gravina also announced that he will attend a hearing in Italy’s parliament next Wednesday to discuss “the wellbeing of Italian soccer.
Follow Us on Google Discover
Nigerian Army sends 600 Personnel to India for specialised combat training
FCC accuses Customs of bypassing federal character, demands suspension of recruitment training
Peter Obi, Dickson, Babachir Lawal meet as NDC prepares for 2027 Campaign Council
APC accuses Atiku, ADC of plotting AI deepfakes to discredit Kaduna campaign rally
Four pilots killed as two military aircraft collide mid-air in Philippines
‘I want to leave Aso Rock in 2031 to enjoy a better Nigeria’ – Remi Tinubu
Hardship is necessary for better future, Suswam tells Nigerians as he backs Tinubu for 2027
2026 U-17 WWC: Flamingos set to face Mexico, Chile or Australia in round of 16
Anambra woman allegedly killed by ex-boyfriend after breakup
Atiku dares Tinubu to name ministers, appointees involved in alleged bribery
Flamingos beat North Korea 3-1 to reach U-17 WWC knockout stage
EFCC opens portal for 2026 recruitment – Step-by-step guide to apply
Tinubu reinstates Mohammed Danjuma as permanent secretary after suspension
Nigerian Electricity Supply Corporation (NESCO) opens recruitment for five positions – Apply Now
Chevron opens recruitment for five console operator positions in Nigeria – Apply
Seven-Up opens recruitment for 17 positions across Nigeria – Apply Now
Backend Office HQ announces 9 job openings with salaries of up to ₦400,000 – Apply Now
CDCFIB Recruitment: Portal opens October 28 for shortlisted candidates
Chevron opens recruitment for five console operator positions in Nigeria – Apply
EFCC opens portal for 2026 recruitment – Step-by-step guide to apply
10 things you never knew about late Nollywood veteran, Francis Duru
‘Politics Is Not Madness’: Emir of Katsina warns Tinubu Campaign DG Yari
EXCLUSIVE: Rainbow Coalition emerges in Ogun Central as Iyabo Obasanjo moves to back Peter Obi
BREAKING: Veteran Nollywood actor Francis Duru is dead
Remi Tinubu, Seyi Tinubu clash over APC Youth leadership appointment
Tinubu’s Gov’t only about him, his wife, son and bank account; ‘Renewed Hope’ Is ‘Renewed Hunger’ — Emir of Katsina
Ebola: Tinubu approves ₦10bn, appoints Gbajabiamila to lead Presidential Task Force
Hardship: NLC, TUC threaten nationwide action, give FG October 27 deadline
‘Every Nigerian made poorer by 300%’ – Obasanjo slams Tinubu reforms
