A Wave Of Departures In Italian Football Leadership

Italian football has been plunged into uncertainty following the resignation of Gabriele Gravina as president of the Italian Football Federation, with a new election scheduled for June 22 in Rome.

Gravina, who had held the position since February 2025, announced his decision during a meeting at the federation’s headquarters with key stakeholders across Italian football. Representatives from Serie A, Serie B, Lega Pro, the National Amateur League, and players’ and coaches’ associations were informed of his resignation, which triggers an Extraordinary Elective Assembly to appoint his successor.

The outgoing president said the election date complies fully with federation statutes and ensures continuity ahead of the upcoming professional season registration process. Despite stepping down, Gravina confirmed he will appear before Italy’s parliamentary VII Committee on Culture, Science, and Education on April 8 to present a comprehensive report on the state of Italian football.

His testimony is expected to address both the strengths and structural challenges within the game, including recent controversy surrounding comments he made about the differences between amateur and professional sport. Gravina clarified that his remarks were not intended to offend but to highlight regulatory and governance distinctions, particularly the corporate nature of professional clubs compared to amateur organisations.

Buffon Steps Down After World Cup Failure

In the wake of Gravina’s resignation, Italian football icon Gianluigi Buffon has also stepped down from his role as head of delegation for the national team.

The 2006 World Cup winner, who had served in the role since August 2023, cited Italy’s failure to qualify for the upcoming tournament as a decisive factor in his decision.

“Now that President Gravina has chosen to step down, I feel able to do what I consider the most responsible thing,” Buffon said in a statement. “We did not succeed in our main objective of bringing Italy back to the World Cup.”

Buffon, Italy’s all-time appearance leader, reflected on his efforts to rebuild the national team structure, including fostering stronger links between youth development pathways and the senior squad. Despite the disappointing outcome, he expressed gratitude for the experience, calling it both a privilege and a valuable learning journey.

Gattuso Leaves by Mutual Consent

Shortly after Buffon’s departure, head coach Gennaro Gattuso also exited his role, with the federation confirming a mutual agreement to terminate his contract after just nine months in charge.

Gattuso, who had been tasked with revitalising the national team, acknowledged falling short of expectations. “With a heavy heart… I feel my time as head coach has come to an end,” he said, adding that stepping aside was the right move to allow the federation to plan for the future.

Despite the abrupt end, Gravina praised Gattuso’s impact, noting that he had succeeded in restoring enthusiasm and pride around the Azzurri in a short period.

Uncertain Future for Italian Football

The simultaneous departures of Gravina, Buffon, and Gattuso mark a significant turning point for Italian football, raising questions about leadership stability and long-term strategy.

With a presidential election now set for June 22, attention will turn to who will take charge of the federation and how they will address ongoing structural challenges, rebuild the national team, and restore Italy’s standing on the international stage.