Italy’s football leadership has entered turmoil after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time. Two days after the elimination, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina announced his resignation, reversing his earlier refusal to step down. Soon after, Gianluigi Buffon, head of Italy’s football delegation and legendary goalkeeper, also resigned, releasing an emotional statement describing his decision as deeply heartfelt. The wave of resignations continued as head coach Gennaro Gattuso left his position as well.

The resignations follow Italy’s penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ended their hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Gravina had led the federation since 2018, during which Italy also missed the 2022 World Cup. Italian media reported that discussions have begun over four potential replacements for Gattuso: Roberto Mancini, Antonio Conte, Massimiliano Allegri, and Pep Guardiola. According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Mancini is currently the frontrunner, having guided Italy to the Euro 2020 title.

The series of resignations marks another chapter of instability for Italian football, which continues to face intense criticism following repeated qualification failures.