18 out of 20 top-flight clubs support the former CONI president, while Abete enters the race and tensions rise over process.
Italian football could be heading toward a major leadership shift—and Giovanni Malagò is now the clear frontrunner.
During a key assembly in Milan, 18 out of 20 Serie A clubs expressed support for the former CONI president as the next head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), following the resignation of Gabriele Gravina after Italy’s latest World Cup failure.
The message from Italy’s top clubs is strong—but not unanimous.
Strong Majority, But Not Full Consensus
The meeting, held at the league’s headquarters in Via Rosellini, marked the first major institutional step after the national team’s collapse.
According to Serie A president Ezio Simonelli, Malagò has already surpassed the threshold needed to become an official candidate.
Eighteen clubs have formally backed him.
Only two—Lazio and Verona—chose not to sign. However, their opposition is not directed at Malagò himself, but rather at the process.
Lotito Pushes Back on the Process
Claudio Lotito, president of Lazio, made it clear that his stance is about governance—not personalities.
He criticized the rapid endorsement of a candidate without first defining a clear program for reforming Italian football.
Lotito even called for the appointment of a commissioner, pointing to the need to modernize outdated regulations, including a law dating back more than four decades.
Abete Enters the Race
The presidential race is far from settled.
Giancarlo Abete, current head of the National Amateur League (LND) and former FIGC president, has officially stepped forward as an alternative candidate.
Abete emphasized a different approach—one that prioritizes building a shared program before selecting a leader.
He has already moved to secure formal backing from his own governing bodies and invited other football stakeholders to do the same, aiming for a broader, more inclusive process.
Support from Serie A Leadership
Backing for Malagò isn’t just numerical—it’s also coming from influential figures within the game.
Beppe Marotta, CEO and president of Inter Milan, praised Malagò’s managerial experience and deep understanding of the sports ecosystem.
Marotta framed the decision as a unified and timely response from Serie A, reinforcing the league’s desire to play a central role in shaping the future of Italian football.
What Happens Next?
Malagò is expected to finalize his candidacy soon, with the official deadline set for May 13.
The FIGC presidential election is scheduled for June 22.
Between now and then, the focus will shift to programs, alliances, and negotiations across all levels of Italian football—from professional leagues to grassroots organizations.
The Bigger Picture
This election comes at a critical moment.
Italy’s third consecutive failure to qualify for the World Cup has triggered a deep institutional crisis, forcing a broader reflection on the structure and direction of the sport.
Malagò represents continuity in leadership experience and strong ties to the Olympic movement.
Abete, on the other hand, is positioning himself as the candidate of structural reform and shared governance.
The Bottom Line
The race for the FIGC presidency is officially underway—and it’s shaping up to be more than just a vote.
It’s a battle over the future of Italian football.
