Italian football in crisis as chief resigns after World Cup humiliation

FootballSports
2 Apr 2026 • 10:19 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Italian Football Federation chief Gabriele Gravina has resigned after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
  • Italy suffered a play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina on penalties, having initially taken the lead and then gone down to 10 men.
  • This marks a significant humiliation for the four-time World Cup champions, extending their wait for an appearance since 2014.
  • Gravina's departure followed rising political pressure, with the sports minister calling for a change in leadership after two disappointing qualification campaigns.
  • Manager Gennaro Gattuso, who replaced Luciano Spalletti, is also expected to be removed from his post following Gravina's resignation.

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