The chief of Italy’s football governing body stepped down this past Thursday, succumbing to political pressure, just two days after the national squad’s inability to secure a spot in a third successive World Cup tournament.
Gabriele Gravina’s departure was swiftly mirrored by Gianluigi Buffon relinquishing his role as the national team’s delegation chief. This chain of events is also anticipated to result in the dismissal of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Andrea Abodi, Italy’s Minister for Sport, had previously advocated for a transformation in the nation’s football hierarchy, given that Gravina had presided over two rounds of subpar World Cup qualifiers.
“It is undeniably apparent to all that Italian football requires a complete revamp,” Abodi stated on Wednesday, “and that transformation must commence with fresh guidance at the FIGC [federation].”
Italy’s prospects of participating in the current year’s tournament, hosted in North America, were extinguished this past Tuesday, following a defeat in a penalty shootout against Bosnia and Herzegovina during a decisive playoff match.
Buffon served as the custodian for the victorious 2006 World Cup squad and holds the distinction of being Italy’s record-setter with 176 international caps. He had been instrumental in Gattuso’s appointment.
“I deem it just to grant my successors the autonomy in choosing their own replacement,” Buffon stated. “To represent the national squad constitutes both a privilege and a fervent devotion that has been deeply ingrained in me since childhood.”
Gravina assumed leadership of the association in 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who also resigned after Italy missed out on that year’s World Cup.
This latest defeat against Bosnia exacerbated the woes for Italy, a four-time champion, coming after eliminations at the hands of Sweden and North Macedonia, respectively, in their qualifying playoff matches for the previous two World Cup cycles.
Italy’s difficulties in the World Cup stretch back to 2010 and 2014, when the team could not progress beyond the group stage in both instances.
The Azzurri’s most recent World Cup elimination round fixture took place in 2006, when they secured the championship by triumphing over France in the decisive match following a penalty tie-breaker.
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Gravina did, however, preside over Italy’s European Championship triumph in 2021.
“Football has faced difficulties dating back to 2006,” stated Renzo Ulivieri, president of the Italian coaches association.
Umberto Calcagno, president of the players’ association, asserted that fresh stipulations encouraging greater deployment of Italian footballers in Serie A are imperative: “Swift alterations are required.”
A ballot has been scheduled for June 22 to choose a new head for the FIGC.
Gravina further disclosed his intention to participate in a parliamentary session in Italy this coming Wednesday to deliberate upon “the overall health of Italian football.”
Gravina additionally serves as Aleksander Ceferin’s principal vice president at UEFA.
UEFA’s regulations stipulate that members of the executive committee must concurrently hold senior positions within national Football Associations. However, Gravina might remain in his UEFA capacity as a transitional figure, provided that the FIGC’s new leadership does not insist on his dismissal.
Gravina was re-chosen by UEFA last year; thus, he has an additional three years remaining in his present tenure.
“Gabriele is my primary vice president and is of great significance to me,” Ceferin remarked in Thursday’s edition of Gazzetta dello Sport, following his presence at the playoff match in Bosnia.
In addition to reinvigorating the national team, Gravina’s successor will be charged with the responsibility of ensuring Italy’s crumbling venues are prepared for the 2032 European Championship hosting duties.
Italy is set to jointly host Euro 2032 with Turkey.
“I hope that the facilities are prepared,” Ceferin stated. “Failing that, the competition will not take place in Italy.”