Gravina Quits FIGC in Dramatic Exit: Elections Loom as Juve Chase Silva and More Chaos Brews
Gabriele Gravina has resigned as FIGC president, with elections on June 22 pitting Giovanni Malagò against Giancarlo Abete, as Gianluigi Buffon also departs amid calls for radical change. Juventus are chasing Bernardo Silva, eye Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, and face a €58m Bremer clause, while Inter nurse Yann Bisseck's injury. Italian football braces for a turbulent summer, as reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at *Football Italia*.
Italian Football's Earthquake: Gravina's Resignation Rocks the FIGC
Fancy a pint and some proper Italian football drama? Gabriele Gravina, the long-suffering FIGC president, has handed in his resignation, calling it a 'convinced and pondered decision'. He's not vanishing into the sunset just yet – he's sticking around for three months to battle the government over their stingy support for the game. And in a twist worthy of a soap opera, Gianluigi Buffon is jumping ship too, saying he'd have done it sooner.
This comes amid open crisis in Italian football's governing body, with elections slated for June 22. As reported by Lorenzo Bettoni at Football Italia, drawing from the Italian press like La Gazzetta dello Sport and Corriere dello Sport, the race is heating up between Giovanni Malagò, the ex-CONI chief who's got the backing of most factions (bar some government grumblers), and Giancarlo Abete. Malagò looks like the frontrunner, but nothing's certain in this madhouse.
Gravina's exit isn't just symbolic – it's a chance for radical change, as Tuttosport puts it. The new boss will pick Gennaro Gattuso's successor for the national team job. Gravina claims he was misunderstood on non-pro pros, but let's be honest, mate, Italian football's been crying out for fresh ideas.
Juve's Transfer Tango: Silva in Sights, Bremer Clause Bombshell
While the FIGC circus rages, Juventus are plotting their summer moves like pros at a card table. They've made contact with Jorge Mendes, agent for Bernardo Silva, via director Cristiano Giuntoli (or Comolli? Press is buzzing) and Ottolini. Silva's wages are eye-watering, way over Juve's budget, but sniff that Champions League spot and who knows?
Then there's Gleison Bremer – a cheeky €58m release clause if he wants out. Keeper Mattia Perin? Renewal chats are on, so he might stick around. Midfield whispers bring Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg back into the frame, with Marseille slapping a €12m tag on him. And don't forget Lucio eyeing a 2028 Juve deal at €6m net a year – decisive hours ahead.
'Time for change,' the papers chorus, and Juve fans are nodding along. With Torino apparently the only thing left standing firm (or is that a dig at someone?), the Bianconeri are gearing up for a busy window.
Inter's Therapy Session and Injury Blues
Over at Inter, coach Cristian Chivu is playing group therapist to the Italians and a gutted Piotr Zielinski after those elimination heartbreaks. Yann Bisseck's crocked, missing clashes with Roma and Como – tough break for the Nerazzurri.
It's all part of the broader chaos: calcio in meltdown, but with elections and transfers bubbling, Italian football's future hangs in the balance. Will Malagò steady the ship? Can Juve land Silva? Grab that pint, lads – this summer's gonna be a belter.
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