Gravina Urges Gattuso and Buffon to Stay After Italy's World Cup Qualifier Exit

Gabriele Gravina, President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), has confirmed his request for Gennaro Gattuso and Gianluigi Buffon to continue in their roles with the national team. Gravina also stated that he is not currently offering his resignation, despite Italy's failure to qualify for another World Cup.

Gravina observed the match in Zenica alongside Luigi Bonfiglio, President of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin.

Italy initially took the lead thanks to a goal from Moise Kean. However, the match took a turn when Alessandro Bastoni received a red card in the 41st minute for a last-man foul. Bosnia and Herzegovina capitalized on this, with Haris Tabakovic scoring an equalizer.

Despite managing to hold on during extra time and even creating opportunities to win, Italy ultimately suffered a significant defeat in the penalty shoot-out, as Francesco Pio Esposito and Bryan Cristante failed to convert their kicks.

Gravina Resists Calls for a Complete Overhaul

During a press conference, Gravina commented on the team's morale, stating, “Our current state of mind is quite clear, particularly given how the match concluded.”

He went on to praise the players: “I want to commend the lads, who have shown tremendous progress in recent months. Many observers might not have fully grasped the positive atmosphere we've cultivated lately.”

Gravina added, “We aimed to bring joy to our fans, and I want to extend my compliments to Rino Gattuso. He is an excellent coach, and I have asked him, along with Gigi Buffon, to continue leading this team.”

Following the match, Gravina was present in the modest locker room during Gattuso's post-game address to the players.

He recounted, “You missed a moment of profound unity in the locker room. Everyone witnessed the match, and the players showed immense heroism given the circumstances. Following this, I recognize that evaluations will need to be made.”

With previous calls for Gravina's resignation following various disappointing results, questions arise about his ability to retain his position after the national team's third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup.

Gravina addressed the pressure: “There is a Federal Council, and I have already decided to convene a meeting next week, where these evaluations will take place. I understand that calls for my resignation will emerge, but there is an appropriate forum for such discussions.”

He added, “Next week, we will undertake much deeper reflections on the situation, as the questions posed require a proper setting for a response. The FIGC must determine how to select and develop its team. We are constrained by the resources available to us within the domestic league.”

Despite his statements, there are expectations that Gravina will call for an immediate election for a new President of the Football Federation.

The match itself was not without controversy. While Bastoni's red card was widely accepted, a similar incident involving Marco Palestra in extra time only resulted in a yellow card, raising questions about officiating consistency.

Italian media have also highlighted a possible handball by Edin Dzeko leading up to Bosnia and Herzegovina's equalizer.

Gravina remarked on the officiating, stating, “There were certain decisions and interpretations of the rules that left us somewhat perplexed.”

He concluded, “Several incidents could have warranted further review.”