Italy’s Soccer President Resigns After Third Straight World Cup Qualifying Failure

Rome — The head of Italy’s soccer federation has stepped down after the Azzurri failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive cycle, a historic slump for the four-time champions.

The president tendered his resignation on Wednesday, acknowledging responsibility for the national team’s prolonged absence from football’s premier tournament. Italy’s latest qualifying shortfall extends a streak that began after the 2014 World Cup and has now spanned three successive campaigns.