Italian FA Head Gravina Resigns After World Cup Disappointment

Gabriele Gravina has stepped down as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following the nation’s inability to secure a third consecutive World Cup qualification. The decision came after Italy’s women’s team was eliminated in a dramatic penalty shootout against Bosnia-Herzegovina during the play-off final. This marks the first time a previous World Cup winner has missed three consecutive tournaments, as Italy failed to qualify for Russia 2018, Qatar 2022, and now the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Gravina, 72, and Uefa’s first vice-president, announced his exit on Thursday after a meeting at the FIGC’s Rome headquarters. He assumed the role in October 2018, succeeding Carlo Tavecchio, who had resigned after Italy’s defeat to Sweden in the previous year’s World Cup play-off. Despite leading the federation through a Euro 2020 triumph, where Italy edged England in a Wembley penalty shootout, the organization now faces criticism over its recent World Cup setback.

During his tenure, Gravina oversaw the appointments of former manager Luciano Spalletti and current coach Gennaro Gattuso. Before his resignation, he expressed confidence in Gattuso, urging him to remain despite the World Cup miss. The FIGC has announced a presidential election for 22 June, with Giovanni Malago, a former Olympic Committee head, among the frontrunners.

Uefa President Warns of 2032 Host Role Risk

Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin has raised concerns about Italy potentially losing its co-host status for the 2032 European Championship due to outdated stadium facilities. The nation is set to share the event with Turkey, but its lack of modern venues has sparked debates, with several clubs struggling to upgrade their grounds due to disagreements with public authorities.

“Euro 2032 is scheduled and will take place. I hope the infrastructure will be ready,” Ceferin stated in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport. “Otherwise, the tournament will not be played in Italy.”

Ceferin, who previously supported Gravina, emphasized that the former president was not to blame for the country’s infrastructure shortcomings. “Perhaps it is Italian politicians who should be asking themselves why Italy has some of the worst football infrastructure in Europe,” he added.

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