Gennaro On The Way Out After Buffon, Gravina Resignations As Italy Comes To Grip With WC Shame

Last Updated:April 02, 2026, 21:25 IST

Italy's defat to Bosnia ended their dream of a WC return, leading to the departures of FIGC boss Gabriele Gravina and the team's general manager Gianluigi Buffon.

FIGC boss Gabriele Gravina put forth his resignation on Thursday following Italy’s third straight failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup, as did the four time champion side’s General Manager, the legendary Gianluigi Buffon.

Italy’s WC qualifier defat to Bosnia ended their dream of a WC return as the Azzuri’s agony and nightmares continue, head coach Gennaro Gattuso might also be facing the exit door.

Gravina’s announcement came a day after Sport Minister Andrea Abodi called on him to resign.

“It’s clear that Italian football needs to be rebuilt from the ground up and that starts with changes at the top of the FIGC," Abodi had said.

The fallout after Italy’s latest humiliation for one of the world’s most successful football nations forced the 72-year-old Gravina to abandon his initial plan to wait until a FIGC board meeting next week before announcing his decision on his future.

In a statement, the FIGC said that a vote for a new president would be held on June 22.

Gravina was elected FIGC president in October 2018, becoming the permanent successor to Carlo Tavecchio, who stepped down after Italy’s first World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden the previous year.

The highlight of Gravina’s tenure was Italy’s thrilling triumph at Euro 2020, when Roberto Mancini’s Azzurri, unbeaten in 37 matches, defeated England at Wembley to be crowned kings of the continent for the second time.

However, two failed World Cup qualification campaigns and a dismal defence of the European title left Gravina with little choice but to resign as Italy’s football troubles deepen.

News sports football Gennaro On The Way Out After Buffon, Gravina Resignations As Italy Comes To Grip With WC Shame

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