Gravina, Gattuso & Buffon on the brink after Italy failure: “Convene next week”

Rome — Italy’s World Cup nightmare has entered its third consecutive edition, and the fallout is now shaking the very summit of the federation. After a dramatic play-off final defeat to Bosnia on penalties, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina, head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon are all facing uncertain futures, with a federal council meeting slated for next week that could decide their fate.

The Azzurri’s route to heartbreak followed a familiar script. A 1-0 semi-final win over Northern Ireland had raised tentative hopes, and Moise Kean’s early strike against Bosnia looked set to propel Italy to the tournament proper. Yet Alessandro Bastoni’s 40th-minute dismissal shifted momentum, Haris Tabakovic’s 79th-minute equaliser forced extra time, and Bosnia converted all four spot-kicks while Italy faltered from the spot, losing the shoot-out 4-1.

Speaking minutes after the final whistle, Buffon—appointed to oversee squad logistics and morale—acknowledged the crossroads. “A delicate moment. We need to take the necessary time to make the right assessments,” the 2006 world champion told reporters. “The sporting season ends in June, so June will be the time to make myself available to those who have placed their trust in me. I can tell you that we’re here until June; after that, we’ll see about the rest.”

Buffon’s comments place the onus squarely on the FIGC hierarchy, where Gravina has become a lightning rod for public frustration. The 72-year-old president, in office since 2018, has overseen the country’s failure to reach the last three World Cups, a historic low for the four-time champions. Although he has previously resisted resignation demands, Gravina confirmed he will convene the Federal Council next week to confront the issue head-on.

“As for the political side, there is a designated body to make those evaluations—the Federal Council,” Gravina said. “I’ve already decided to convene it next week, and the assessments will be carried out internally. I understand the repeated calls for resignation, but there is a proper place to make those judgments.”

Despite the looming review, Gravina publicly urged Gattuso and Buffon to remain at their posts, praising the squad’s unity during the play-off campaign. “The mood is quite clear, especially considering how this result came about. Let me congratulate the lads; over these past months, they’ve shown incredible growth,” he insisted. “I also want to congratulate Rino Gattuso. He’s a great coach. I’ve asked him, along with Buffon, to remain in charge of these players.”

Whether that plea is enough to prevent a summer overhaul will be determined inside the council chamber. With Italy’s World Cup exile now stretching 12 years, the federation must decide whether fresh leadership is required to halt the slide—or whether continuity offers the best hope of finally turning the page.

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