Gabriele Gravina has resigned as president of the Italian football federation.

The resignation happened on Thursday.

Political pressure was increasing on him.

Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Gravina's decision may cause Italy coach Gennaro Gattuso to resign too.

Italy Sports Minister Andrea Abodi has called for changes in football leadership.

This call came after two disappointing World Cup qualifying campaigns under Gravina.

It is clear that Italian football needs major changes.

The process should start with new leadership at the federation.

Abodi made this statement on Wednesday.

Italy had hoped to reach this year's tournament in North America.

The tournament ended on Tuesday.

Italy lost to Bosnia and Herzegovina in a penalty shootout.

This was during their qualifying playoff.

Gravina took control of the federation in 2018.

He replaced Carlo Tavecchio.

Tavecchio also resigned after Italy failed to reach that year's World Cup.

The loss to Bosnia adds to Italy's recent World Cup troubles.

They were eliminated by Sweden and North Macedonia in qualifying playoffs.

This happened during the last two tournaments.

Italy's struggles on the world stage go back to 2010 and 2014.

In those years, the national team did not advance from the group stage.

Italy's last World Cup knockout victory was in 2006.

They won the tournament that year.

They beat France in the final through a penalty shootout.

However, Gravina oversaw Italy's European Championship win in 2021.

Elections are scheduled for June 22 to choose a new FIGC president.

Gravina also announced he will attend a hearing in Italy's parliament.

This hearing will be next Wednesday.

They will discuss the state of Italian football.

Gravina resigns as Italy FA president after World Cup miss

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