A New Era for Italian Football
Giovanni Malagò has been formally elected as the new President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), securing a commanding 68.58% of the vote. The election, held on June 22 at the FIGC headquarters in Rome, saw Malagò defeat former FIGC president Giancarlo Abete to succeed the outgoing Gabriele Gravina. The result ushers in a fresh chapter for Italian football, with Malagò bringing a wealth of administrative experience from his tenure as president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) and his role in organising the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Quick Facts:
Election Date: June 22, 2026
Location: FIGC Headquarters, Rome
Winner: Giovanni Malagò
Vote Share: 68.58%
Runner-up: Giancarlo Abete (29.17%)
Outgoing President: Gabriele Gravina
Total Delegates: 274
The Election Process
The FIGC election saw 274 delegates representing all levels of Italian football—from Serie A clubs to grassroots organisations—gather in the capital. Malagò’s first-ballot victory highlighted broad support across the federation, with blank ballots accounting for just 2.25% of the total. This contrasts with the more fragmented electoral landscape of previous years, signalling a clear mandate for change at the top.
In his acceptance speech, Malagò said:
“It is with profound emotion that I take on this sense of responsibility. I cannot do anything alone, but with you, I can do anything.”The new president’s message emphasised unity and collective effort, key themes as Italian football looks to rebuild after a tumultuous period marked by the national team’s failure to qualify for the 2022 World Cup and early exit in 2026.
Challenges Ahead for the New President
Malagò inherits a federation grappling with significant challenges. The Italy national team’s decline on the international stage has sparked urgent calls for reform in youth development and domestic infrastructure. Meanwhile, the Serie A faces mounting pressure to modernise its commercial model and bridge the financial gap with the Premier League and other top leagues. The FIGC’s relationship with clubs and the government over issues like stadium ownership and financial fair play will test Malagò’s diplomatic skills.
His extensive Olympic background—he served as CONI president from 2013 and led the successful bid for the 2026 Winter Games—may provide a fresh perspective on nurturing talent and promoting the country’s footballing assets. Insiders point to his track record of cutting through bureaucratic red tape as a key asset.
Malagò’s immediate agenda is expected to focus on restructuring the FIGC’s governance, improving relations between the federation and Serie A, and overseeing the implementation of a more robust scouting network to reverse the fortunes of the Azzurri. The clock is ticking, with Euro 2028 qualifiers on the horizon and a World Cup to jointly host in 2030 alongside Spain and Portugal.
Key Takeaways
- Landslide mandate: Malagò’s 68.58% vote share signals widespread support for his leadership and a desire for change within the FIGC.
- Olympic pedigree: His CONI presidency and 2026 Winter Games experience bring a unique administrative skill set rarely seen in football governance.
- Unity call: Malagò’s emphasis on collective effort addresses the fragmented interests that have often paralysed Italian football politics.
- Urgent reforms: From youth development to stadium modernisation, the new president faces a long list of structural reforms to restore Italy’s footballing stature.
- International redemption: The national team’s recent disappointments make a return to the top table of world football a central priority for the federation.