The upcoming World Cup playoff final against Bosnia in Zenica carries immense weight, with consequences extending far beyond the football pitch. Renowned journalist Giancarlo Padovan has issued a stark warning: a third consecutive failure for Italy to qualify for the World Cup could precipitate a complete overhaul of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC)’s senior leadership.
Speaking on Radio Radio, Padovan’s statement was unequivocal: “I believe that if Italy fails to qualify for the World Cup, the federation would be placed under external administration for a year, with the current leadership entirely removed.”
FIGC President Gravina Under Intense Scrutiny if Italy Misses World Cup
FIGC president Gabriele Gravina is arguably the most prominent figure whose position is at risk. Despite overseeing two previous World Cup absences, he was recently re-elected unopposed and has, until now, withstood considerable pressure to step down. According to Padovan, a third successive failure to reach the global tournament would almost certainly render his role untenable, with other high-ranking officials also facing similar jeopardy.
Italy faces Bosnia knowing that only a victory will secure their place at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Gennaro Gattuso’s squad emerged victorious in their semi-final against Northern Ireland and now stands just one match away from ending a painful hiatus from the international stage. A defeat, however, would initiate what Padovan describes as a fundamental restructuring of Italian football’s governing bodies.