Photo: FIGC.
The date had been circled on the calendar for months by Italian football, which was seeking a new direction. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has been waiting for a new president since the resignation of Gabriele Gravina in early April, following the latest failure of the National to qualify for the World Cup. On Monday, Giovanni Malagò was elected in Rome, defeating Giancarlo Abete, as expected. The start of a huge challenge for the president of the Milan-Cortina 2026 organizing committee.
Sporting and economic competitiveness
Giovanni Malagò secured a comfortable victory (68,58%), allowing him to begin his mission under favorable conditions. His name was already circulating even before he officially became a candidate, a testament to his influence within the Italian sports movement. President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) from 2013 to 2025, he spearheaded the return of the Olympic Games to Italy as president of the organizing committee for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games. CONI won more medals than ever at the last Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and there was Milan-Cortina, where a model that is now an international benchmark was invented.Malago remarked about his service record to the press on Monday. I hope that all of this can be repeated with the Italian Football Federation. "He is also one of the three Italian members of the IOC."
A huge task lies ahead for the 67-year-old manager. Italy, four-time world champions (1934, 1938, 1982, 2006), are not among the 48 nations participating in the World Cup this summer, as was the case in 2018 and 2022. This is the consequence of numerous shortcomings. Malagò must ensure that Italian football regains its competitiveness, both on and off the field. This applies to the national team, but also to the clubs. This year, no Italian club reached the semi-finals of any European competition (Champions League, Europa League, Conference League). This is unprecedented in a season with three continental competitions since the 1980s.
In recent weeks, Italy has also been embroiled in a refereeing scandal. Youth development and the management of aging infrastructure will be other major challenges for the new president, especially with the prospect of Euro 2032, which the country is to co-host. I have already spoken with Michele Uva (UEFA Executive Director) and President Ceferin at UEFA. We cannot afford to make a bad impression " Malago told the press on Monday.
« The new era must be based on concrete objectives: competitive national teams, sustainable clubs, valued youth, modern facilities, credible rules, qualified training, simplification for grassroots players, and more equitable resources.he wrote in his manifestoItalian football still possesses extraordinary energy. It has a history, skills, a fan base, clubs, coaches, managers, referees, players, and territories. These energies must be refocused around a common vision. The FIGC is, and must be, the home of all Italian football: a home that is demanding in its rules, accessible in its services, strong in its institutions, and ambitious for the future. »
