Summary
The head of Italy's football association, Gabriele Gravina, and former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon resigned after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row. The pressure is on Italy to improve its football infrastructure to maintain its role as a co-host for the 2032 European Championship. A new president for the Italian football association will be elected on June 22.
Key Facts
- Italy's national football team did not qualify for their third consecutive World Cup after losing a play-off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
- Gabriele Gravina resigned as the president of Italy's football association following this failure.
- Former goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon also resigned as the delegation head, stating it was an act of responsibility.
- Italy last won the World Cup in 2006 and also won Euro 2020 under Gravina's leadership.
- UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin warned that Italy must upgrade its stadiums or risk losing its role as a co-host for the 2032 European Championship.
- The Italian football association will vote for a new president on June 22, with Giovanni Malago as a leading candidate.
- Italy has been given until October to propose five stadiums for Euro 2032, needing significant upgrades.
