Gianluigi Buffon has made his decision after Italy's national team painfully missed qualification for the 2026 World Cup.
Gabriele Gravina, president of the Italian Football Federation, and Gianluigi Buffon, the legendary Azzurri goalkeeper and head of Italy's national team delegation, have announced their resignations following Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Italy lost on penalties to Bosnia in the European playoff final, resulting in their absence from the World Cup for the third consecutive time.
Buffon, who has played 176 matches for Italy, making him the goalkeeper with the most appearances ever and the most-capped player in Italy's history, said he actually decided to resign immediately after the match against Bosnia, before officially announcing it today.
“Resigning one minute after the game against Bosnia was an urgent act, coming from the depths of my heart. It was as natural as the tears and pain I shared with all of you.”
“I was asked to hold back to give everyone time to properly reflect. Now that President Gravina has chosen to step down, I feel free to do what I see as my responsibility.”
“The main goal was to lead Italy back to the World Cup, and we failed. Representing the national team has always been an honor and a dream I have had since childhood.”
“I tried to perform my duties to the best of my ability, putting all my energy into coordinating with every team and working with various head coaches to build a project structure starting from youth teams up to the U-21 squad.”
“All of this was to review how to nurture future talents for the senior national team. The success of these decisions depends on those responsible.”
“I keep everything in my heart with gratitude for the opportunities and lessons, even in this painful ending. This intense experience has been given to me. Forza Azzurri, forever,” Buffon stated.