Following Italy’s defeat in Bosnia, which ended the Azzurri’s World Cup hopes, FIGC president Gabriele Gravina addressed the media with a mix of disappointment and defiance, defending both the national team and head coach Gennaro Gattuso. “The mood is obvious, especially considering the way the defeat unfolded,” Gravina said. But despite the bitter result, he insisted on highlighting the team’s effort and growth over recent months.

“This group has made incredible progress,” he said. “Maybe not everyone has fully understood the atmosphere and unity that had been built around the team. The players wanted to give joy to the fans and to the country, and they gave everything.” Gravina made it clear that he still believes in Gattuso, revealing that he has asked the coach to remain in charge of the national team. “He is a great coach and has built a strong connection with the players,” the federation president said.

He also expressed his wish for Gianluigi Buffon to continue in his current role as head of delegation, underlining the importance of continuity even in a moment of deep disappointment. More cautious, however, was Gravina’s response when asked about his own future. “Calls for my resignation are something I’m used to by now,” he said, before pointing to the Federal Council meeting scheduled for next week, where broader assessments will be made.

“The objective responsibility belongs to the federation, and therefore to me,” Gravina admitted. “But the crisis in Italian football is much bigger than the FIGC alone. We need a wider reflection, because the federation is only one part of the system. There are also leagues, clubs and many other actors involved.”

His message was clear: the failure cannot be pinned on a single figure or institution. If Italian football is to recover, the response must be structural rather than symbolic. Standing beside Gravina was Buffon, who confirmed that he remains committed to the federation, at least until the end of the sporting season.

“An elimination like this hurts,” Buffon said. “And in moments like these, emotional reactions can lead to the wrong decisions. We are here until June, then we’ll see what happens.” For now, Italy’s football leadership appears determined to avoid immediate upheaval. But after another World Cup collapse, the pressure for change is only likely to grow.