In a move that has sent shockwaves through the world of football, Gabriele Gravina has officially resigned as President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

The decision, announced Thursday at the federation’s headquarters, follows Italy’s catastrophic failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—the third consecutive time the four-time champions will miss the tournament.

The final blow came Tuesday night in Zenica, where the Azzurri suffered a heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina. Despite an early goal from Moise Kean, a red card for Alessandro Bastoni shifted the momentum, leading to a 1-1 draw and a subsequent 4-3 loss on penalties.

For a nation that considers the World Cup its birthright, the reality is stark: Italy’s drought will now extend to at least 16 years, with their last tournament appearance dating back to 2014.

“I have made my decision; it was a personal and carefully meditated one,” Gravina told reporters as he departed FIGC headquarters. “It is fair to leave those who come after the freedom to choose the figure they think is best to lead.”

Gravina, 72, had led the FIGC since 2018. While his tenure included the high of the Euro 2020 triumph, it was marred by two World Cup qualification failures and a struggling domestic infrastructure. His departure has triggered a leadership vacuum at the top of Italian football:

Gianluigi Buffon: The legendary goalkeeper and current head of delegation also announced his resignation on Thursday.

Gennaro Gattuso: The head coach, who took over with hopes of a revival, is widely expected to step down in the coming days.

The resignation follows immense pressure from the Italian government. Sport Minister Andrea Abodi led the calls for change, stating that Italian football needs to be “rebuilt from the ground up.”

Critics point to a “profound crisis” involving aging stadiums, a lack of youth development, and a Serie A league that has seen its global influence wane. Gravina himself admitted the system was broken before stepping down, noting the irony of Italy’s success in other Olympic disciplines while football continues to falter.

As the 2026 World Cup prepares to kick off in the United States, Mexico, and Canada with a record 48 teams including debutants and smaller nations the absence of the Azzurri remains the tournament’s most glaring void.

With names like Giovanni Malagò (CONI President) and Giancarlo Abete already being floated as potential successors, the road to 2030 begins with a total clearing of the decks in Rome.