Italian football federation (Figc) chief Gabriele Gravina resigned on Thursday, after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.

Italy's Sport Minister Andrea Abodi said on Wednesday the head of the country's football federation should step down after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.

As Italian football fans worry that their national team might miss out on a third straight World Cup in Tuesday's play-off decider with Bosnia and Herzegovina, moves are afoot to take the Azzurri back to the top.

Roberto Mancini insists that a potential move to the Saudi Arabia national team is not the reason for his sudden and highly criticised decision to quit Italy.

Roberto Mancini has resigned as head coach of the Italian national team, the country's football federation (FIGC) said on Sunday.

The country's Interior and Sport Ministers, as well as the coordinator in combatting anti-Semitism, signed an agreement with FIGC chief Gabriele Gravina to battle the phenomenon in Italian stadiums

The punishment, followed swiftly by a 4-1 defeat by Empoli on Monday evening, leaves Italy's most successful soccer club in seventh place in Serie A, outside of the places for European competition qualification.

Gian Piero Ventura was sacked as Italy coach on Wednesday after the four-time champions failed to reach the World Cup finals.