The Azzurri’s elimination by Bosnia-Herzegovina in a penalty shoot-out sends shockwaves through Italian football, prompting the resignations of both federation president Gabriele Gravina and legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.
Italian football’s most humiliating chapter deepened on Thursday as Gabriele Gravina resigned as president of the Italian Soccer Federation (FIGC). Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down as Italy’s delegation chief with both men citing the Azzurri’s stunning failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
Italy’s fate was sealed Tuesday evening when they fell to Bosnia-Herzegovina in the qualifying play-off final on penalties. The result confirmed the four-time world champions as the only former World Cup winner to miss out on three straight tournaments. The FIGC announced that Gravina’s successor will be elected on June 22.
Gravina, who faced intense criticism over Italy’s repeated qualifying collapses but also presided over the Azzurri’s 2020 European Championship victory, said he left with a mixture of grief and peace of mind. He acknowledged that federation members had urged him to stay, but insisted his decision was already made.
“After so many years, there is great sadness, but also serenity. I thank the members who, even today, have shown me great closeness, respect, support, and even insistence in continuing. But my decision was already firm and well-considered.”— Gabriele Gravina, outgoing FIGC President
Buffon quit minutes after defeat
Buffon, the iconic goalkeeper who lifted the World Cup with Italy in 2006, described his resignation as an instinctive reaction. He said he resigned within minutes of the final whistle. At the request of federation officials, he agreed to delay making it public to allow time for reflection.
“Submitting my resignation a minute after the end of the match against Bosnia was an urgent act, one that came from deep within me. It was as spontaneous as the tears and the ache in my heart that I know I share with all of you.”— Gianluigi Buffon, via social media
Buffon added that once Gravina had made his own decision public, he felt free to follow through: “Now that President Gravina has chosen to step back, I feel free to do what I feel is an act of responsibility.”
The twin departures leave Italian football at a crossroads, with the FIGC now tasked with rebuilding its leadership structure before the June 22 presidential election.
