Italian football has plunged into crisis following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

The fallout has triggered political intervention, with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi calling for leadership changes.

Italy crashed out after losing a penalty shoot-out to Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The defeat confirmed their absence from the 2026 World Cup.

The tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

In a blunt statement, Abodi said change must start from the top.

He directly called on Gabriele Gravina to step down as president of the Italian Football Federation.

“It’s clear that Italian football needs rebuilding,” he said.

Despite mounting pressure, Gravina has refused to resign.

A crucial board meeting is expected to determine his fate.

The crisis has exposed tensions between football authorities and the government led by Giorgia Meloni.

Following the defeat, Gravina blamed lack of institutional support.

He also dismissed other sports as “amateur” or state-backed.

The comments sparked outrage across Italy’s sporting community.

Italy recently enjoyed success at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.

They also recorded strong results at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Abodi rejected Gravina’s claims, accusing him of deflecting responsibility.

Tennis star Jannik Sinner was cited as proof of excellence outside football.

Olympic medalist Francesca Lollobrigida also mocked the remarks online.

The controversy has deepened calls for urgent reforms in Italian football.