Gravina's second term in Italy

Gravina enters a second term at the helm of Italian football after being elected to the position in 2018. “We are ready for the second half of our match,” he said after being confirmed in office.

The 67-year-old lawyer emphasised his determination to lead Italian football through the difficult times brought about by the Covid pandemic. “Our movement has suffered the impact of the pandemic at social and financial level,” he said. “But we could not stop - and we will not stop.”

“Our community has always been a team where everybody needs to do his job for the good of everybody. I proposed a strategy, and I’m confident it can lead us to victory. We must give Italian fans a more beautiful and more sustainable football. I think it’s time to put on our boots and start to play the second half of our game.”

EURO expectations

Under Gravina’s presidency, Italy’s national team – who missed out on the 2018 FIFA World Cup – have put that disappointment behind them. Coach Roberto Mancini led the Azzuri through an impressive group campaign to qualify for UEFA EURO 2020, and Italy are scheduled to play Turkey in the tournament’s opening game in Rome on 11 June.

Born in the southern city of Castellaneta, Gravina was the president of the Castel di Sangro club between 1984 and 1996 – leading the club from a village of around 5,000 inhabitants through the divisions to eventually reach Serie B.

A professor in sports management and organisation of sporting events at the University of Teramo, Gravina has also served as the head of Italy’s Under-21 delegation for several years. In 2015, he was elected as president of Lega Pro, the third tier in Italian football, a role he maintained until he became FIGC president.