Italy: Italy's soccer federation president resigned amid political pressure on Thursday, two days after the Azzurri failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, Yahoo reports. Gabriele Gravina's decision will likely lead to the ouster of Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso as well.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi called for a change in the country's soccer leadership after Gravina oversaw two sets of disappointing World Cup qualifiers. Abodi emphasized the need for a comprehensive overhaul of Italian soccer, starting with new leadership at the FIGC (federation).

Italy's hopes of reaching this year's tournament in North America were dashed on Tuesday following a penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a qualifying playoff. This defeat marks the latest in a series of setbacks for the four-time World Cup champions, who were previously eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in the qualifying playoffs for the last two World Cups.

Gravina, who took charge of the federation in 2018, stepped in following the resignation of Carlo Tavecchio, who also left after Italy failed to reach that year's World Cup. While Gravina did oversee Italy's European Championship victory in 2021, the national team's World Cup struggles extend back to 2010 and 2014, when it failed to advance beyond the group stage.

Italy last competed in a World Cup knockout match in 2006, ultimately winning the title by defeating France in the final after a penalty shootout. In the wake of recent events, an election has been scheduled for June 22 to appoint a new FIGC president. Gravina also announced his intention to attend a parliamentary hearing next Wednesday to discuss 'the wellbeing of Italian soccer.'