Italy’s third World Cup miss signals deeper issues

Italy’s football crisis deepened as Gabriele Gravina resigned as federation president after the national team failed to qualify for a third straight FIFA World Cup. 

The federation confirmed his exit on Thursday, two days after a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the playoff final. Italy will now miss a third straight World Cup.

Soon after, legend Gianluigi Buffon stepped down as delegation chief, while coach Gennaro Gattuso faces a likely exit. Italy’s struggles now span over a decade, with early exits in 2010 and 2014 and playoff failures in 2018, 2022, and 2026.

Gravina, who led the FIGC since 2018, had survived earlier setbacks, including the 2022 qualifying exit. He oversaw multiple coaches, including Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to the UEFA Euro 2020 title.

Despite that triumph, the four-time world champion has failed to rebuild consistency. 

The recent loss has been so devastating that the government has stepped in.

The Italian Parliament opened Wednesday’s session with a briefing on the team’s defeat.

Officials are demanding sweeping changes, including promoting more local players in Serie A.

Italy is the first World Cup champion to miss three straight tournaments, a trend some link to weak youth development.

An election on June 22 will choose new leadership, tasked with reviving the team and preparing infrastructure for Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. 

Italy last lifted the World Cup trophy in 2006.