Andrea Abodi harsh on Gravina: "I expect a jolt of dignity"
The third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup has triggered great controversy and it is clear to everyone that the entire Italian football movement needs to change in a profound way. Some expected FIGC president Gabriele Gravina to resign after the defeat against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but that was not the case.
In an official note, Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi was harsh: “I thank the team and its coach for the commitment they showed even last night, but it is clear to everyone that Italian soccer needs to be refounded and that this process must start from a renewal of the FIGC’s top management.”
Sorry against Alexander Sticks: insults and threats
“I will ask Gravina to resign: from him I expect a jolt of dignity, Abete left after the failed rounds in Brazil and the late Tavecchio did the same after the playoff with Sweden. Soccer is a sport and, in a time of military and economic crisis like this, it should not be loaded with excessive meanings. On the other hand, it is undeniable that it is not just a sport. Particularly in Italy, where soccer becomes popular culture, community ritual, international prestige. I am sorry to think that there is an entire generation of children and young people who have not yet experienced the thrill of seeing the national team play in a World Cup.”
“The government has concretely demonstrated, in recent years, its commitment to the entire Italian sports movement,” Abodi continued. Our athletes have given us enormous satisfaction in so many disciplines, and I consider it objectively incorrect to attempt to deny responsibility for the third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup, accusing the institutions of an alleged failure and belittling the importance and professional level of other sports. We will continue, as we have done so far, to do what is the responsibility of the institutions, but we need responsibility, humility and respect from everyone. Italy must become Italy again, even in world soccer.”
