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Gravina regrets: âIâm bitter, we couldnât have done moreâ
TL;DR
Gabriele Gravina expressed regret over his leadership of the FIGC, stating he feels bitter about not achieving better results for Italy's national team. He acknowledged that his tenure may have lasted too long and that improvements were no longer possible.
Gravina regrets: âIâm bitter, we couldnât have done moreâ
Gabriele Gravina has admitted regret over his time in charge of the FIGC, acknowledging he may have stayed on too long before stepping down after acknowledging âwhat had been done could not be improved further.â
Speaking to Le Iene, with quotes via TuttoMercatoWeb, Gravina said he felt âbitterâ about failing to deliver the results fans deserved, particularly in light of Italyâs ongoing struggles on the international stage.
âIâm disappointed for not giving our fans what they deserved,â he said. âAbove all, I regret not stepping aside earlier, when I realised that what had been done could not be improved further.â
BOLOGNA, ITALY â JUNE 4: President Gabriele Gravina of the FIGC looks on during the international Friendly match between Italy and Turkiye at Renato DallâAra Stadium on June 4, 2024 in Bologna, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)
Gravina pushes back against Italy critics
Gravina also pushed back against criticism of his leadership, highlighting key achievements during his tenure.
âWhat I cannot accept is being called unworthy,â he added. âImportant work was done, especially in terms of financial stability. We secured co-hosting rights for Euro 2032, one of the biggest sporting events in the world. People forget that after 53 years we won the European Championship, and the Under-17 side also lifted their first European title.â
However, Italyâs failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup remains a major shadow. Gravina pointed to structural issues within Italian football, particularly the limited opportunities for domestic players.
âWe produce talent, but it is not used,â he explained. âAround 70% of players are foreign, leaving only 30% eligible for the national team. Clubs operate as businesses, so you cannot force them to make different choices. The only solution is to change the culture and introduce incentives.â
He also clarified previous controversial remarks about other sports, insisting they were misunderstood.
âMy comments were about regulations, not a lack of respect,â Gravina said. âI admire athletes from all disciplines and their sacrifices. I never intended to offend anyone.â
Q&A
What did Gabriele Gravina say about his leadership of the FIGC?
Gabriele Gravina admitted feeling bitter about his time in charge, stating he could have done more and that his tenure may have lasted too long.
Why is Gabriele Gravina feeling regret regarding Italy's national team?
Gravina feels regret due to the ongoing struggles of Italy's national team on the international stage and believes he failed to deliver the results fans expected.
What did Gravina indicate about the future of the FIGC after his departure?
Gravina indicated that improvements in the FIGC were no longer possible under his leadership, suggesting a need for new direction after his resignation.
