Background
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) is set to elect a new president on Monday at the Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel in Rome, marking a decisive moment for the sport in Italy. The vote comes after a tumultuous period that saw the Azzurri miss out on the World Cup for the third consecutive tournament, leading to the resignation of former president Gabriele Gravina in March. Following a devastating play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Gravina stepped down, alongside head coach Gennaro Gattuso and delegation chief Gianluigi Buffon, leaving the federation in a leadership vacuum just as it needed a reset.
The election is being watched closely by Serie A clubs and Italian football fans, as the new president will have the power to appoint a permanent national team coach and implement structural reforms. The vote’s outcome could also influence the ongoing reshaping of club management, with Inter reportedly frustrated in their pursuit of Curtis Jones from Liverpool, and Milan finalising decisions on a new CEO and sporting director. These parallel movements underscore the breadth of change sweeping through the Italian game.
The Candidates
Two high-profile figures are vying for the presidency: Giancarlo Abete and Giovanni Malago. Abete, a seasoned football administrator, previously served as FIGC president from 2007 to 2014 and is seen as a safe pair of hands. His campaign emphasises stability and a return to traditional strengths, such as youth development and fiscal responsibility. Malago, in contrast, is an outsider from the Olympic world. As president of the Organising Committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, he brings a fresh perspective and a track record of successfully delivering major sporting events. His platform revolves around modernisation, commercial growth, and restoring Italy’s global football prestige.
“The election is not just about a name on the door; it’s about the entire philosophy of how we run football in this country,” an FIGC insider told Football Italia.
Both candidates have been lobbying intensely among the 278 delegates who will cast ballots. While Abete has strong institutional backing, Malago’s appeal lies in his ability to attract private investment and his impeccable crisis-management credentials from the Olympics. The race is too close to call, with many delegates keeping their intentions private until the last moment.
What’s at Stake for Italian Football
The new president inherits a federation in crisis. Beyond the on-field failures, the FIGC faces financial pressures, outdated infrastructure, and a declining youth system that has seen fewer top talents breaking through at the highest level. The president’s first task will be to appoint a permanent successor to Gattuso, with the national team still without a coach. The appointment must be someone capable of uniting a fractured dressing room and instilling a winning mentality.
Equally critical is the reform of the Serie A structure. The new president will need to broker peace between the league, clubs, and broadcasters to ensure a more equitable distribution of television rights. There is also pressure to modernise stadia, many of which are outdated and lack the revenue-generating facilities of their European rivals. The successful candidate must navigate these choppy waters while also mending relationships with UEFA and FIFA, which have been strained by Italy’s repeated World Cup absences.
The election’s impact extends to the women’s game and grassroots football, both of which require sustained investment. With the 2026 World Cup already underway without Italy, the federation’s focus must quickly shift to Euro 2028 qualification, but long-term planning cannot be sacrificed for short-term fixes.
Key Takeaways
- The FIGC presidential election on Monday is a pivotal moment for Italian football after three consecutive World Cup qualification failures.
- Giancarlo Abete represents a return to traditional football administration, while Giovanni Malago offers a fresh, Olympic-style modernisation approach.
- The new president will be tasked with appointing a permanent national team coach, reforming Serie A structures, and restoring Italy’s international reputation.
- The result could influence the management landscapes at major clubs such as Inter and Milan, who are themselves undergoing strategic shifts.
- Whoever wins faces immediate pressure to deliver tangible progress, with no room for error as Italy looks to rebuild.
Quick Facts
Event: FIGC Presidential Election
Date: Monday, 22 June 2026
Venue: Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Rome
Candidates: Giancarlo Abete (former FIGC president), Giovanni Malago (Milano Cortina 2026 president)
Outgoing President: Gabriele Gravina (resigned March 2026)
National Team Coach: Vacant (Gennaro Gattuso left after World Cup failure)
Delegation Chief: Vacant (Gianluigi Buffon stepped down)
