The president of the Italian Football Federation has resigned, bringing an abrupt end to his tenure after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
During a brief meeting on Thursday, April 2, 2026, Gabriele Gravina tended in his resignation.
Italy lost on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the World Cup play-off final.
Italy’s absence from the FIFA 2026 World Cup marks a stunning fall for a country that once dominated world football.
The four-time world champions have now missed out on three straight tournaments, a scenario few would have imagined a decade ago.
Criticism has mounted in recent months, with stakeholders questioning the federation’s long-term planning, youth development structures, and coaching appointments. The latest failure appeared to be the breaking point.
Gabriele Gravina, who had been in charge since
2018, oversaw a mixed period that included Italy’s triumph at UEFA Euro 2020, but that success now feels distant. The inability to build on that momentum has left the national team in a cycle of inconsistency and underperformance.
Sources within the federation say an interim leadership structure will be announced in the coming days, with reforms expected to follow. There is growing pressure for a complete overhaul, from grassroots football to the senior national team setup.
