From crushing World Cup failures to explosive transfer talks and scandalous ticket prices, we break down the biggest stories rocking football as emotions run high in the 2025/26 season.
Lorenzo Gravina has officially resigned as President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following Italy’s failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — the third consecutive absence from football’s biggest stage. The Azzurri’s collapse in qualifying sparked outrage, culminating in Gravina’s dramatic exit. Italy now faces a full systemic overhaul after years of underperformance.
Why it matters: This isn’t just a resignation — it’s a reckoning. Gravina’s tenure promised reform, but three World Cup misses in a row have exposed deep flaws in youth development and national team management. The pressure is now on to rebuild not just the squad, but the entire footballing culture in Italy.
"We’ve lost touch with what makes Italian football great,"a senior FIGC insider admitted.
Dusan Vlahovic is eager to extend his contract with Juventus, but significant hurdles remain over salary structure and contract length. The 25-year-old striker, signed in 2022 for €70 million, has scored 18 goals this season and remains central to Max Allegri’s plans. However, financial constraints at the club are complicating talks.
Why it matters: Vlahovic’s future is a litmus test for Juventus’ ambitions. Retaining him signals commitment to rebuilding; losing him would be a major blow. With clubs like Bayern and Chelsea monitoring, Juve can’t afford missteps. A last-minute U-turn? In transfer football, anything can happen in stoppage time.
The 2026 World Cup final has become the most expensive football match in history, with tickets reportedly selling for over $12,000 on reseller platforms. The host nations broke their promise of affordable access, sparking global backlash. Fans feel betrayed, while FIFA faces mounting pressure to intervene.
Why it matters: When the beautiful game becomes unaffordable for the average supporter, the soul of football is at risk. This pricing scandal could tarnish the tournament’s legacy and fuel calls for reform in how tickets are allocated for mega-events.
Gianluigi Buffon has officially stepped down from his role with the Italian national team after the 2026 World Cup qualifying failure. The 48-year-old legend, who earned 176 caps as a player, served as a technical advisor since 2024. His departure marks the end of an era.
Why it matters: Buffon was the emotional anchor of Italian football for decades. His exit symbolizes a full generational shift — and the painful closure of a golden age. Can Italy rise again without its last true icon?
