©PA
Italian soccer turns over a new leaf. Gabriele Gravina has tendered his resignation from the presidency of the Italian FA, bringing to a close a cycle begun in 2018 and marked by mounting pressure, culminating in the latest Italian Nazionale fiasco.
The announcement came during an extraordinary meeting at the federal headquarters in Rome, attended by all the components of the soccer world. At the same time, the date for federal elections was set for June 22, the day on which the new president will be appointed.
The decision comes after several days of tension following the defeat which left Italy out of the forthcoming World Cup, a result which reignited the debate on the state of Italian soccer. Gabriele Gravina, who had just been re-elected in 2025 with a near-unanimous consensus, quickly lost the support of several federal components as well as part of public opinion. Gianluigi Buffon also resigned as sporting director.
During his tenure, the Nazionale experienced marked ups and downs: the triumph at Euro 2021 remains the only real high point, while the rest of the campaign was punctuated by changes of coach and disappointing results. The recent controversy surrounding his use of the term 'amateur' sportsmen and women to designate those who, in fact, don't play soccer (forgetting all the real feats accomplished by these athletes), added to the criticism coming from the media, together with criticism from both the political and sporting worlds, precipitated a decision which, until a few days ago, seemed far from certain.
With Gravina's departure, the race for the FIGC presidency has now begun, and it promises to be a hotly contested one. Among the most prominent names is Giovanni Malagò, former president of the Olympic Committee, with whom he made a name for himself, supported in particular by part of Serie A. His eventual candidacy would represent a choice of great institutional significance.
Alternatively, the return of Giancarlo Abete, already Federal President between 2007 and 2014, is gaining ground. Abete's experience and familiarity with the federal arcanes make him an ideal choice for continuity in a delicate phase.
Matteo Marani, the current president of Lega Pro, is also being considered, as some see him as a profile of renewal. Other candidates remain in the background, but the battle looks set to be played out primarily between these three names.
Until the new president is elected, Gravina will remain in office to handle day-to-day business. But time is of the essence: the new governing body will have to get to grips with crucial issues such as training centers and youth sectors, championship reform and the turnaround of the Nazionale straight away. These resignations mark a dividing line. Italian soccer now faces a decisive choice: opt for experience or radical change. On June 22, it will not just be a question of electing a president, but of deciding on the future direction of the entire movement.
(©GreenMe.it 2026 / Managing Editor : Julie Morgan - The Press Junction / Picture : Picture Alliance - ipa-agency - Emmanuele Mastrodonato - IPA Sport)