Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) President Giovanni Malago urged Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Carlo Tavecchio "to step down after the country's failure to qualify for the World Cup," according to Ben Gladwell of ESPN.com. FIGC officials met on Wednesday "to discuss the consequences of Italy missing out on a World Cup for the first time in 60 years." Malago: "I've spoken with Tavecchio and asked him what his intentions are ... and he wanted to discuss with everybody how to proceed. Only he can assume responsibility, and there are no other solutions -- the decision is his. Personally, if I were in his position, I would resign" (ESPN.com, 11/15). BUSINESS INSIDER reported even before the defeat, "Italian fans mocked with iconic Swedish symbols such as Pippi Longstocking, ABBA and IKEA." Now "they have started a campaign on social media to boycott the last-mentioned company." The #boicottaikea hashtag "has filled Twitter with an uproar among devastated Italians." IKEA in Italy "was fast with a response that now is trending on social media." IKEA wrote on Facebook, "To say we're sorry we give this bench to Gian Piero." They are referring to national team coach Gian Piero Ventura, who was sacked on Wednesday (BUSINESS INSIDER, 11/15).
