Gravina's Resignation: Italian Football in Turmoil

Italian Football Federation President resigns

Italian Football Federation president Gabriele Gravina resigns after World Cup failure and controversy over comments comparing football to other sports.

“It is here that President Gravina will present, as fully and comprehensively as possible...”

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president Gabriele Gravina has resigned following Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. The decision comes after Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final, ending their hopes of participating in the tournament.

Gravina, who has been in charge since 2018, announced his resignation at a meeting with the FIGC board in Rome. He will reportedly appear before a parliamentary committee on April 8 to discuss the state of Italian football. An election to appoint a new FIGC president is scheduled for June 22.

The resignation has sparked speculation about the future of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso, who may also leave his position. Italy's Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has called for a change in leadership, stating that Italian football needs to be “rebuilt from the ground up.”

The post-Bosnia meeting took an unexpected turn, shifting focus to the future of Italy's football presidency. Gravina met with top brass from Serie A, Serie B, and Lega Pro, and dropped a bombshell - his final decision on the presidency.

Gravina's discussion with the presidents was crucial, as it determined the next steps for Italian football's top job. The meeting's outcome will likely shape the sport's direction in the country.

Gabriele Gravina has officially ended his tenure as Italian Football Federation (FIGC) president, marking the end of an era that began in 2018. His resignation follows Italy's failure to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final.

🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: THERE WILL BE A HISTORIC SHAKE-UP IN THE ITALIAN NATIONAL TEAM! 😱🇮🇹

Gabriele Gravina has decided to resign as president of the Italian federation. ❌

Gennaro Gattuso is expected to step down in the coming hours. ⏳

Gianluigi Buffon is also set to leave.… pic.twitter.com/miyxvq9UE8

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) April 2, 2026

FIGC President Gabriele Gravina Meets with Federation Leaders

Today, a meeting was held at the FIGC headquarters in Rome involving President Gabriele Gravina and the presidents of the various federations’ branches. 

Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has resigned from his post after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. He informed top representatives from Serie A, Serie B, Lega Pro, National Amateur League, Italian Footballers’ Association, and Italian Football Coaches’ Association about his decision at a meeting in Rome.

The FIGC has scheduled an Extraordinary Elective Assembly for June 22 in Rome to elect a new president. This date ensures the new governance can complete registration procedures for upcoming professional championships.

“During the meeting, Gravina also thanked the federation bodies for publicly and privately demonstrating their support, and informed the presidents that he is willing to appear on April 8 at 11:00 CEST before the VII Committee on Culture, Science, and Education of the Chamber of Deputies to report on the state of Italian football.

“It is here that President Gravina will present, as fully and comprehensively as possible, a report on the strengths and weaknesses of the sport, also addressing some of the issues already discussed during the press conference held after the national team’s match in Zenica on Tuesday, 31 March.

“In relation to this, Gravina expressed his regret over how his comments on the difference between amateur and professional sports had been interpreted, as they were never meant to be offensive towards any discipline. Instead, they were in reference to the different internal and external regulations, for example, the presence in the governance of some federations of leagues with their own autonomy and the corporate nature of professional football clubs, which must comply with national and international legislation, unlike amateur clubs.”

Buffon Steps Down

Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Italian goalkeeper and 2006 World Cup winner, has announced his resignation as head of delegation for Italy's national team. In an Instagram post, Buffon revealed he initially offered to step down after Italy's loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina but was asked to reflect on the decision.

Buffon's resignation comes after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, sparking widespread criticism and calls for change within Italian football. His departure adds to the uncertainty surrounding the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which is already dealing with the resignation of its president, Gabriele Gravina.

“Now that president Gravina has chosen to take a step back, I feel free to do what I feel is an act of responsibility,” Buffon wrote.

“Because, even in the sincere conviction that I have built so much on a spirit and group level with Rino Gattuso and all the collaborators, in a very short time at the disposal of the national team, the main objective was to bring Italy back to the World Cup.

“We didn't succeed. It's fair to leave it to those who will come after, the freedom to choose the figure they think is best to play my role.”

Social Media Fury Erupts Over Gravina's Remarks

Gabriele Gravina, the president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), faced intense backlash on social media after making comments comparing football to other sports. He stated that football is a professional sport, while others are amateur, sparking outrage among Italian athletes.

Many took to social media to express their discontent, with some arguing that Gravina's remarks were arrogant and dismissive of other sports. Irma Testa, an Italian boxer, wrote on Instagram that “we are the real professionals,” highlighting the perceived disrespect towards non-football athletes.

Gravina later expressed regret over the interpretation of his comments, explaining that he was referring to the autonomy of leagues and corporate nature of professional clubs. Despite this clarification, the damage was done, and his comments contributed to his resignation as FIGC president.

Irma Testa, Italy's pioneering female boxer and Olympic bronze medallist, slammed Gravina's comments, writing “we are the real professionals” on Instagram. Her reaction reflects the widespread frustration among Italian athletes.

The FIGC released a statement saying Gravina regrets the interpretation of his remarks, clarifying he was referring to the autonomy of leagues and corporate nature of pro clubs, which must follow laws.

Gennaro Gattuso's position as Italy manager is indeed uncertain after Gabriele Gravina and Gianluigi Buffon resigned following Italy's World Cup qualification failure. With Gattuso's contract ending in June, speculation is ramping up about his potential replacement.

Media reports suggest Antonio Conte, currently at Napoli, and Massimiliano Allegri, at AC Milan, are top contenders for the job. Other names like Roberto Mancini, who led Italy to Euro 2020 victory, and Pep Guardiola are also being considered.

Gattuso's departure seems likely, with some reports indicating he'll step down. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will need to act fast to find a new manager before the UEFA Nations League 2026-2027 kicks off.