ROME – The fallout from Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is rapidly extending beyond the pitch and into the halls of power. The national team’s elimination at the hands of Bosnia and Herzegovina has triggered a political firestorm, with calls for the resignation of Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Gabriele Gravina and demands for a full accounting from Sports Minister Andrea Abodi. The situation underscores the deep-seated frustration with the state of Italian football and the growing pressure for significant change.
The initial volley came from Salvatore Caiata, a Member of Parliament for Premier Giorgia Meloni’s Brothers of Italy (FdI) party. Speaking at the opening of Wednesday’s parliamentary session, Caiata formally requested an informative briefing from Minister Abodi regarding the “failure of Italian soccer.” He didn’t stop there, directly calling for Gravina’s resignation, arguing that the FIGC president had “stolen a dream” from a generation of young Italians who have never witnessed their national team compete in a World Cup.
“We must learn from the Bosnians who beat us last night,” Caiata stated, according to reports. “Enough with the football of money, of the rich, enough with those who, to stay attached to their chair, deprive entire generations of a dream.” Caiata, a former president of Potenza Calcio, pointed to a past instance where a predecessor to Gravina, Andrea Tavecchio, faced calls for resignation in 2017, with Gravina himself being the individual who initially demanded it. He then highlighted the irony of Gravina subsequently assuming the presidency of the FIGC and overseeing two failed World Cup qualification campaigns.
The sentiment was echoed by other members of parliament. Giovanni Donzelli of FdI suggested that Gravina’s resignation should have come sooner, while Galeazzo Bignami, the group leader for FdI in the Chamber of Deputies, stated unequivocally that Gravina “must simply resign.” Bignami added that Italian football “needs to be rebuilt” and that Gravina’s departure is “essential.” Federico Mollicone, president of the Chamber of Deputies’ Sports Committee, announced his intention to request an official hearing with Gravina to discuss the situation.
Even Senate President Ignazio La Russa weighed in, offering a terse assessment on social media: “To reiterate what we think now – and not just today – would be useless, and unkind. But everything has its limits.” His statement, posted on X (formerly Twitter), reflects the growing impatience with the status quo.
The League party also issued a strong statement via Instagram, labeling the failure to qualify for the World Cup a “shameful and unacceptable disgrace” and calling for a complete overhaul of Italian football, beginning with Gravina’s resignation.
While Forza Italia adopted a more cautious tone, Paolo Barelli, the party’s group leader in the Chamber of Deputies, acknowledged the national disappointment but cautioned against overreacting, particularly given the current geopolitical climate. He maintained that Gravina should act according to his conscience and the guidance of the Federal Council, and that automatic resignations following every defeat are not a viable solution.
Still, not all parties aligned with the calls for Gravina’s immediate removal. Marco Grimaldi of Alleanza Verdi e Sinistra (AVS) distanced himself from Caiata’s request, arguing that simply demanding Gravina’s resignation avoids addressing broader responsibilities. He suggested that Minister Abodi should be questioned, but cautioned against solely focusing blame on the FIGC president.
Mauro Berruto, a Member of Parliament for the Democratic Party (PD), emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the factors contributing to Italy’s ongoing struggles in international football. Berruto argued that Gravina’s resignation shouldn’t be requested, but rather should be an act of “institutional dignity.” He also highlighted the need to attract foreign players to improve the quality of the national team, a strategy he believes has been lacking.
The 5-Star Movement in the Lower House’s culture committee offered a more systemic critique, suggesting the problem extends beyond Gravina. They pointed to the near-unanimous vote with which Gravina was elected in February of last year, highlighting a deeper structural issue within Italian football. They called for a “complete cleanup,” criticizing a system that prioritizes club interests, record agent commissions (reportedly the highest in Europe), and neglects talent development. Questions were raised about investment in young players, restrictions on national team training camps due to club commitments (such as the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia and proposed matches in Australia), and the overall leadership of the Serie A league.
This latest failure marks the third consecutive World Cup qualification cycle that Italy will miss. For an entire generation of Italian football fans, the magic of the World Cup – a tournament that transcends sport and serves as a source of national pride – remains a distant memory. The political pressure on Gravina and the FIGC is now immense, and the coming weeks will likely determine the future direction of Italian football.
Minister Abodi is now expected to address parliament, providing a detailed assessment of the situation and outlining potential corrective measures. The hearing with Gravina, requested by Mollicone, will provide a platform for the FIGC president to respond to the criticisms and present his vision for the future. The debate is certain to be heated, and the stakes are incredibly high for all involved.
The next scheduled match for the Italian national team is a friendly against San Marino on June 5, 2026, at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. This match will be a crucial opportunity for the team to begin rebuilding confidence and demonstrating a commitment to improvement. Fans and observers alike will be watching closely to see how the team responds to this latest setback and what steps are taken to ensure that Italy returns to its rightful place on the world stage.
What are your thoughts on the situation? Share your opinions in the comments below and let us grasp what changes you would like to see in Italian football.
Keep reading
