Gravina resigns as Italy FA president after World Cup miss

Italy’s soccer federation president, Gabriele Gravina, resigned on Thursday amid political pressure, just two days after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

Gravina’s decision is expected to trigger the departure of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso as well.

Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for a shake-up in the country’s soccer leadership after Gravina oversaw two disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns.

“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.”

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