Buffon and Gravina Resign as Italy Misses World Cup Again
Buffon and Gravina Resign as Italy Misses World Cup Again
Italy's World Cup drought extends to three straight failures after a playoff defeat to Bosnia, triggering resignations at the federation's top.
Gianluigi Buffon has joined Italian Football Federation chief Gabriele Gravina in resigning after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. One of football's historically glittering nations could not fend off Bosnia and Herzegovina in a playoff final, surrendering an early lead and losing on penalties. That result seals Italy’s World Cup absence for at least another four years, renewing pressure on the federation ahead of a broader reset.
The defeat has sharpened political pressure on Italian football’s leadership. Sports minister Andrea Abodi had called for change at the FIGC after two disappointing qualification campaigns, and Gravina’s departure now paves the way for an extraordinary assembly on 22 June to elect a new chief. Gravina also agreed to appear before a parliamentary committee on 8 April to report on the health of Italian football, signaling a broader review of the sport’s governance.
Buffon, who has served as the national team’s delegation chief, said: "It’s only fair to leave to those who come after me the freedom of selecting who will replace me." With Gravina stepping down, Gennaro Gattuso’s future as manager appears precarious, as he is now without one of his strongest supporters. The combination of leadership changes and a failed campaign raises questions about the direction of Italian football and how quickly a rebuilding plan can be set in motion.
Italy’s long wait for a World Cup appearance, dating back to 2014, will continue for at least another cycle. The coming weeks will be about appointing new leadership, redefining strategy, and laying the groundwork for renewed ambition on the international stage.
