Italy soccer president and delegation chief Buffon resign after another World Cup failure
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Italy’s soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, with Gianluigi Buffon also stepping down as delegation chief, signaling likely changes including the possible dismissal of coach Gennaro Gattuso.
- Sports Minister Andrea Abodi emphasized the need for a complete overhaul of Italian soccer leadership after recent disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns and called for new FIGC leadership starting with the upcoming election on June 22.
- Italy’s national team has struggled since 2010, failing to qualify for or advance in recent World Cups, despite winning the 2021 European Championship under Gravina’s tenure.
- Potential replacements for coach Gattuso include notable figures such as Roberto Mancini, Simone Inzaghi, Antonio Conte, and Massimiliano Allegri, all with significant coaching experience in Italian and international football.
- Gravina, who is also UEFA’s vice president, may remain in his UEFA role temporarily, while the new FIGC leadership will face the challenge of preparing Italy’s stadiums for co-hosting Euro 2032 with Turkey.
