Former Italy national football team goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has resigned from his position as head of delegation following the country’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Italy’s latest disappointment came after a play-off defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, where the four-time world champions lost 4-1 on penalties.
The result means Italy will miss a third consecutive World Cup, having also failed to qualify for the 2018 and 2022 editions.
Buffon, who was part of Italy’s victorious squad at the 2006 FIFA World Cup, described his resignation as “an act of responsibility.” The 48-year-old acknowledged that the key objective of returning the team to the global tournament had not been achieved.
His exit follows that of Gabriele Gravina, who recently stepped down as president of the Italian Football Federation amid growing criticism over the team’s struggles.
Buffon added that the leadership changes made his decision unavoidable, noting that it was right to allow incoming figures the freedom to appoint someone they believe is best suited for the role.