ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – The reverberations from Italy’s stunning failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup continue to shake Italian football, prompting calls for sweeping change from the highest levels of government. Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi has publicly demanded a “renewal of the FIGC leadership,” signaling a potential intervention that could reshape the future of the national game. The Azzurri’s loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout on Tuesday marked the third consecutive World Cup cycle Italy will watch from the sidelines, a historically low point for a nation steeped in footballing tradition.
Abodi’s statement, released Wednesday, didn’t mince words. “Italian football needs to be rebuilt,” he said, emphasizing that this process “must start with a renewal of the FIGC leadership.” The Minister acknowledged the cultural weight of football in Italy, stating it’s “more than just a sport… a communal ritual, and a source of international prestige,” making the repeated failures to reach the World Cup all the more painful. This isn’t simply a sporting crisis, but a national one, according to Abodi.
The situation is particularly acute given Italy’s storied history in the competition. Four-time World Cup champions, Italy is the only former winner to miss out on qualification for three successive tournaments. The current drought stretches back to 2014, and since their 2006 triumph, the national team hasn’t progressed beyond the group stage. This prolonged period of underperformance has fueled growing discontent among fans and calls for fundamental reform.
While the immediate focus is on the FIGC presidency, currently held by Gabriele Gravina, the scope of the potential overhaul appears broader. Abodi’s comments suggest a systemic issue, requiring more than just a change at the top. He stressed the need for the entire system to acknowledge its shortcomings, rather than attributing the failures to external factors. The Minister’s call for accountability is a direct challenge to the current administration.
Gravina, who was re-elected in February 2025 with an overwhelming 98.68% of the vote, has so far resisted calls to resign. Yet, his position is becoming increasingly untenable. Adding fuel to the fire, Gravina reportedly made comments after the defeat that were perceived as dismissive of other sports, drawing further criticism from within Italy. This perceived lack of humility has intensified the pressure on him to step down.
The calls for change aren’t limited to the government. Aurelio De Laurentiis, the president of Serie A club Napoli, has also publicly advocated for a fresh start. De Laurentiis suggested significant changes within the upper echelons of Italian football are necessary to restore the nation’s standing on the world stage. His voice carries weight, representing one of Italy’s most successful clubs in recent years.
Abodi’s willingness to consider more drastic measures, including potentially placing the FIGC under administration, underscores the severity of the situation. He has consulted with Luciano Buonfiglio, the President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), to “evaluate all the compatible technical options” for intervention. This move signals a willingness to bypass traditional structures if necessary to enact meaningful change.
The specter of administration raises questions about the future governance of Italian football. It would likely involve the appointment of a commissioner, potentially former CONI President Giovanni Malagò, to oversee the federation’s operations and implement reforms. Abodi cautioned that the time for naming individuals is premature, emphasizing the need for a thorough evaluation of the past 20 years to avoid repeating past mistakes.
The current crisis isn’t simply about on-field results; it’s about the future of Italian football’s identity. Abodi’s comments highlight the deep connection between the sport and Italian culture, and the disappointment of an entire generation of children growing up without experiencing the thrill of seeing their national team compete in a World Cup. The stakes are high, and the pressure to deliver a solution is immense.
The next steps remain uncertain, but the momentum for change is undeniable. The coming weeks will be crucial as Italy navigates this period of upheaval and attempts to chart a course toward restoring its footballing glory. The focus will be on whether Gravina will yield to the mounting pressure and resign, or whether the government will move forward with more forceful intervention. The future of Italian football hangs in the balance.
Italy’s next scheduled international fixture is a friendly against San Marino on September 5, 2026. This match will serve as an early test of the team’s resolve and a potential platform to commence rebuilding confidence after the World Cup qualifying disaster. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see how the team responds to the ongoing turmoil.
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