The collapse of the Italian national team’s hierarchy is complete. Following the resignation of FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has officially stepped down from his role as Head of Delegation for the Azzurri.
The announcement came on Thursday, April 2, 2026, just 48 hours after Italy’s devastating penalty shootout loss to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which confirmed they will miss their third consecutive World Cup.
"An Act of Responsibility": Buffon’s Emotional Goodbye
In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Buffon revealed that he had initially intended to resign "one minute after the final whistle" in Bergamo but was asked to wait while the federation processed the shock.
"Resigning was an urgent act, one that came from deep within me. It was as spontaneous as the tears and that heartache that I know I share with all of you. Now that President Gravina has chosen to take a step back, I feel free to do what I consider an act of responsibility." — Gianluigi Buffon
Buffon, who took the role in August 2023 following the passing of Gianluca Vialli, saw his mission as bringing Italy back to the world stage. With that goal failed, he felt his tenure could no longer continue.
The FIGC Power Vacuum
Buffon's departure is part of a total "clearing of the house" within Italian football. The current state of the federation is now in total flux:
Gabriele Gravina (President): Resigned Thursday morning amid intense political pressure from the Italian Sports Minister.
Gennaro Gattuso (Head Coach): While not officially gone yet, his position is considered "untenable" following the playoff exit. Reports suggest an official sacking is imminent.
The New Era: An election for a new FIGC president has been called for June 22, 2026.
What’s Next for the Azzurri?
With Buffon and Gravina gone, the path is now clear for a radical restructure. As rumored earlier, the "Pep Project" (the sensational move for Pep Guardiola) is becoming the focal point of the new leadership's vision.
The federation is looking for a "Total Reboot" of Italian football, moving away from the 2006 generation and toward a modern, global tactical identity.