The Digest: Italian soccer federation president Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday amid political pressure, two days after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. Legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down as the national team's delegation chief, and coach Gennaro Gattuso is expected to follow. Italy's chances of reaching the 2026 tournament ended with a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Gravina had overseen Italy's 2021 European Championship triumph but also two sets of disappointing World Cup qualifiers.
Key Points:
- Italy failed to qualify for a third straight World Cup after losing to Bosnia on penalties.
- Gravina resigned under political pressure; Buffon also stepped down.
- Coach Gattuso is expected to be ousted following the failure.
- Gravina oversaw Italy's Euro 2021 victory but also two World Cup misses.
- An election for a new federation president is scheduled for June 22.
As Italy's soccer leadership crumbles following another World Cup failure, the nation faces an urgent overhaul to restore its footballing reputation ahead of co-hosting Euro 2032 with Turkey.
Sources: ESPN
