Following the resignation of Gabriele Gravina, Gianluigi Buffon has also stepped down as Head of Delegation of the National Team, submitting his resignation through a letter to the federation president. As the record appearance holder for Italy (175 caps) and a World Cup winner in 2006, he wore the Azzurri jersey for almost twenty-five years, including his time in the youth teams. In August 2023, after accepting President Gravina’s proposal, he took on the role of Head of Delegation.

Buffon wrote in a message on social media “Now that President Gravina has chosen to step down, I feel able to do what I consider the most responsible thing because, despite firmly believing we built strong spirit and unity together with Rino Gattuso and the entire staff, the main objective, within the limited time we had, was to bring Italy back to the World Cup. And we did not succeed. It is now only right to leave those who come after me with the freedom to choose the person they consider best suited to take on my role.”

The former Azzurri captain added, “Representing the National Team is an honour and a passion that has driven me since I was a child. I tried to carry out my role by giving everything I’ve got, looking across all areas to act as a link, fostering dialogue and synergy between the various youth teams, and working with the different department heads to build a project that starts from the youngest levels and reaches the U21 side. All of this was aimed at restructuring how talents for the senior National Team are developed. I brought in a small number of experienced figures who, along with the expertise already in place, are helping drive these necessary changes with a medium- to long-term vision. I firmly believe in meritocracy and in clearly defined roles, and it will be up to others to assess the value of these decisions. I take everything from this experience with me, grateful for both the privilege and the lessons it has taught me, even in this painful ending. Forza Azzurri, always.”