Italian soccer federation (FIGC) president Carlo Tavecchio resigned from his post on Monday, a week after the national team failed to qualify for the World Cup finals, Italian media reported.

Referees association president Marcello Nicchi told reporters that Tavecchio had quit during a meeting at FIGC headquarters in Rome, AGI news agency reported.

Tavecchio, 74, had been under pressure to step down after a goalless draw at home to Sweden meant Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the first time since 1978.

During an interview last weekend, Tavecchio said he has not slept since Monday's World Cup elimination which he blamed firmly on coach Gian Piero Ventura.

Ventura was sacked last Wednesday.

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