Italy’s top football clubs have thrown their weight behind a new leadership candidate following the national team’s continued struggles on the global stage. A majority of Serie A sides have endorsed Giovanni Malagò for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation, marking a potential shift in direction for the sport in the country. The move comes after the resignation of Gabriele Gravina, who stepped down following Italy’s failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup. The decision has intensified pressure for structural reforms within Italian football.
Strong backing from Serie A clubs
According to Ezio Simonelli, 18 out of 20 Serie A clubs have expressed support for Malagò’s candidacy. The endorsement was finalised during a meeting in Milan, signalling broad consensus among top-tier teams. Simonelli said the next step rests with Malagò, who is expected to formally declare his candidacy and present a roadmap for the future. He is also likely to meet club representatives in the coming days to outline his vision for the league and national setup. Malagò, who previously led the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics and served as head of the Italian National Olympic Committee, brings significant administrative experience to the table.
Election battle extends beyond top clubs
Despite the strong backing from Serie A, the path to the presidency is not straightforward. The league controls only a limited share of voting power, while amateur football bodies hold a larger portion, making broader support essential. The election for the new FIGC president is scheduled for June 22, and candidates will need to appeal across multiple levels of the football pyramid.
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Rebuilding after a turbulent period
Italy’s recent elimination from World Cup qualification play-offs, including a defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, triggered a wave of resignations. Alongside Gravina, national team coach Gennaro Gattuso and team manager Gianluigi Buffon also stepped down.
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The incoming president will face immediate challenges, including appointing a new head coach and addressing long-standing structural issues within Italian football. There is also added urgency with Italy set to co-host UEFA Euro 2032 alongside Turkey. Recent criticism from Aleksander Ceferin over outdated stadium infrastructure has further highlighted the need for reform. The next FIGC chief will be tasked with restoring competitiveness on the pitch while modernising the game off it.
