Italian football turns the page. Gabriele Gravina has resigned as president of the FIGC, closing a cycle that began in 2018 and marked by growing pressure that culminated after the new failure of the Italian national team. The announcement came during the extraordinary meeting at the federal headquarters in Rome, in the presence of all the components of the football system. At the same time, the date of the federal elections was set, scheduled for June 22, when the new president will be chosen.
The resignation after the disaster and the criticism
The decision comes after days of tension following the defeat which cut us off from the next World Cup, a result which has reignited the debate on the state of Italian football. Gravina, re-elected just in 2025 with an almost unanimous consensus, quickly lost the support of various federal components and part of public opinion.
During his tenure, the national team has experienced clear ups and downs: the triumph at the 2021 European Championships remains the only real peak, while the rest of the journey has been characterized by coaching changes and disappointing results. The recent controversy over his definition of “amateur” athletes for those who do not actually play football (forgetting all the real successes achieved by these athletes), combined with criticism also coming from the political and sporting world, have accelerated a decision that until a few days ago was still uncertain.
Who will lead the FIGC: the favourites
With Gravina’s exit from the scene, a race for the FIGC presidency now opens which promises to be close. Among the most accredited names stands out that of Giovanni Malagò, former president of CONI who did well with him, supported above all by Serie A. His possible candidacy would represent a choice of strong institutional weight.
Alternatively, the return of Giancarlo Abete, former federal president between 2007 and 2014, will take off. An expert and well-known figure within federal dynamics, Abete is considered a solution of continuity to manage a delicate phase.
Even more remote but concrete is the hypothesis of Matteo Marani, current president of the Lega Pro, seen by some as a profile for renewal. Other candidates remain in the background, but the challenge seems to be oriented above all towards these three names.
A decisive step for Italian football
Until the election of the new president, Gravina will remain in office for ordinary administration. However, time is running out: the new governance will have to immediately address crucial issues such as youth sectors, championship reform and the relaunch of the national team. The resignation marks a watershed. Italian football now finds itself faced with a decisive choice: focus on experience or a radical change. On June 22, not only a president will be elected, but the future direction of the entire movement.
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