Gravina living ‘like a recluse’ but ‘will continue at UEFA’ after resignation as Italy FA President

Gravina living ‘like a recluse’ but ‘will continue at UEFA’ after resignation as Italy FA President

Gabriele Gravina says he lives ‘almost like a recluse’ after his resignation as FIGC President and believes his successor will have to establish a ‘new dialogue’ with Italian politicians: ‘Let’s be clear. In Italy, only the fans truly care about the national team.’

Outgoing FIGC President Gravina has given an interview to Corriere della Sera, in which he further explained his resignation as head of the Italian FA and the challenges his successor will face.

Gravina has remained at the helm, but just for ordinary administration until June 22, when a new FIGC President will be elected.

Gravina had been strongly criticised by the Minister for Sport, Abodi, in the wake of Italy’s World Cup play-off Final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

“I’ve accepted criticism, even insults, in silence, but I cannot tolerate being called unworthy,” Gravina said.

“No one can presume to claim such moral authority, either inside or outside the world of football.

“I don’t want to name anyone; everyone reveals themselves for who they are and what they feel. It will be up to the others to pass judgment.”

ZENICA, BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – MARCH 31: (L-R) Italy Minister of Sport Andrea Abodi, President of CONI Luciano Buonfiglio and President of FIGC Gabriele Gravina look on prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 European Qualifiers KO play-offs match between Bosnia and Herzegovina and Italy at Stadion Bilino Polje on March 31, 2026 in Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)

So, why did he resign?

“I take responsibility. I did not keep the promise I made to Italian fans,” Gravina replied.

“Resigning was a final act of love for football. And I could not allow attacks against me to harm the Federation.”

Just a few days ago, Gravina published a document addressing issues in Italian football and his view on how to fix them.

“I had considered stepping aside even before the play-offs,” he revealed.

“Not because I didn’t feel up to the role, but because of the constraints, ties, and obstacles that slow the system’s growth and development. And all of this, let me say, is frustrating. In the end, I decided and accepted this ordeal. Now I live almost like a recluse, between home and the Federation.

“We have launched a project with children to put technique back at the centre. The truth is that it’s difficult to pursue the common interest. The pipeline of Italian talent does not fully develop because clubs, which are private companies, pursue their own interests and do not consider the time and effort required to develop a young player for the national team worthwhile.”

BOLOGNA, ITALY – JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato Dall’Ara Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

Does he have a favourite candidate in mind for his succession?

“I will not be the director of the future, nor will I back anyone,” Gravina said.

“It would be madness to think I could strike deals with someone. I am convinced that, in the end, the stakeholders will demonstrate responsibility and identify a candidate capable of securing the widest possible support.

“Lega Serie A is a fundamental federal component, with which dialogue never ceases. Sometimes it’s complex, but with the political world, a new dialogue must be established, based on mutual respect.

“We suffer from an old and still persistent prejudice. That club presidents are ‘rich and foolish’. But that is a huge mistake, born of a superficial and offensive reading. We represent one of the most dynamic and productive sectors in the country, both socially and economically.

“You know I love the German model. They truly started from scratch again, all united by the same goal,” Gravina continued.

“Now they are beginning to see the results. It’s a long-term vision that we lack. Let’s be clear. In Italy, only the fans truly care about the national team. Others, including politicians, use it mainly to stake personal positions when things go wrong.

“Hosting the European Championship with Turkey, which I consider a great success of my Presidency, was intended to serve as a stimulus to bring us back to an international level. Delays in appointing a commissioner and the lack of financial support from the Government have not produced the hoped-for acceleration. But I won’t give up. In my role as the UEFA vice president, I will continue working to make this great opportunity for Italy a reality.

“I will continue at UEFA. My experience remains available, but I will never be an overbearing former President.”