Key Takeaways:
- Gabriele Gravina officially resigned as FIGC President at an emergency council meeting
- The election to appoint a new FIGC President will be held on June 22
- Italy failed to qualify for the 2022 and 2026 World Cups under Gravina, despite winning Euro 2020 during his tenure
Leadership Change at the Helm of Italian Football
Gabriele Gravina has officially stepped down from his role as President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following Italy’s play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on Tuesday evening, marking their third consecutive World Cup qualification failure. Gravina submitted his resignation during an emergency FIGC general council meeting convened in response to the recent disappointment on the international stage.
🚨⚠️ OFFICIAL: Italian Federation president Gabriele Gravina has just resigned. It’s over. pic.twitter.com/ROvyrZCgXg
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) April 2, 2026
Emergency Meeting and Key Figures in Attendance
The high-level meeting was attended by a host of prominent figures from across Italian football. Among those present were Serie A President Ezio Simonelli, Serie B President Paolo Bedin, Serie C President Matteo Marani, Giancarlo Abete from the amateur leagues, Umberto Calcagno from the players’ association, and Renzo Ulivieri representing the coaches’ association. The collective presence underlines the gravity of the situation and the widespread recognition of the need for structural change within the game’s national governing body.
Gravina’s Tenure and Major Decisions
Gravina had led the FIGC since October 2018, guiding the national team to glory at Euro 2020, but overseeing failed World Cup qualification campaigns in both 2022 and 2026. Notably, Italy had also missed out on appearing at the 2018 World Cup prior to Gravina’s appointment. During his time as president, Gravina was responsible for appointing Luciano Spalletti as head coach in 2023 and Gennaro Gattuso in 2025.
Calls for Change and the Search for Gravina’s Successor
Pressure had been mounting from supporters and influential voices within Italian football, urging Gravina to relinquish his post in the wake of Italy’s latest World Cup setback. The need for a fresh direction was echoed by Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi, who stated on Wednesday: “it’s evident that Italian football needs to be rebuilt, and this process must start with a renewal of the FIGC leadership.”
The FIGC has scheduled an election for June 22 to appoint a new president. Early frontrunners for the role include former CONI chief Giovanni Malago as well as Giancarlo Abete and Matteo Marani, both of whom were present at the decisive meeting.
What Lies Ahead for Italian Football
The identity of Gravina’s successor is yet to be determined, as Italian football prepares for a pivotal leadership transition. The newly elected president will face the challenging task of restoring the country’s footballing stature and steering the national side back onto the world’s biggest stage.
