Giovanni Malago, who previously spearheaded the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, has taken the helm of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), signaling a new era for Italian football. His election comes at a critical juncture, with the sport in Italy facing significant challenges on both domestic and international fronts, including poor performance in European club competitions and the national team's repeated failure to qualify for the World Cup.
Giovanni Malago Takes Charge of Italian Football Amidst Crisis
On a momentous Monday in Rome, Giovanni Malago, the 67-year-old sports veteran, was officially voted in as the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). Malago secured a decisive victory, capturing 68.58 percent of the votes against his sole contender, former football chief Giancarlo Abete, during an extraordinary general meeting held at the FIGC headquarters. His election was widely anticipated, bolstered by the strong support from Italy's premier professional football divisions, Serie A and Serie B, as well as the influential player and coaching associations.
Malago brings a wealth of experience and a shrewd political acumen to his new role. From 2013 to 2025, he served as the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), the nation's highest sporting authority, where he oversaw a period of remarkable success for Italian sports. Now, he faces the formidable task of reinvigorating Italian football, which is currently experiencing a downturn. The national team's struggles are evident, particularly after failing to qualify for the World Cup for the third consecutive time, a significant blow to the nation's football pride. This recent elimination in the qualification play-offs by Bosnia-Herzegovina, following a penalty shootout, intensified the sense of crisis.
The once-dominant Serie A, known for its prestige and wealth, now struggles to compete with the financial might of the English Premier League and other European powerhouses. Even traditional giants like AC Milan, Inter Milan, and Juventus are finding it increasingly difficult to keep pace. Last season, Atalanta was the only Italian club to reach the Champions League last 16, where they suffered a resounding 10-2 aggregate defeat to Bayern Munich.
Malago's immediate priorities include appointing a new national team coach, with Roberto Mancini widely rumored to be the top candidate. He must also address the long-standing calls for internal reforms within the FIGC and oversee Italy's preparations for co-hosting Euro 2032 with Turkey. UEFA chief Aleksander Ceferin has previously expressed concerns about the state of Italy's football stadiums, labeling them "some of the worst in Europe," highlighting the urgency of infrastructure improvements.
A critical area for Malago's focus will be the reform of youth development programs. Italy, once a prolific producer of football talent, now sees its most prominent player, Gianluigi Donnarumma, as a goalkeeper for Manchester City. Efforts are already underway, with the FIGC launching a new youth football project featuring 2006 World Cup heroes Simone Perrotta and Gianluca Zambrotta. Despite the senior team's recent woes, Italy's under-17s have shown promising signs, clinching their second European championship in three years earlier this month, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
Malago's leadership will be crucial in navigating these challenges, aiming to restore Italian football to its former glory and build a sustainable future for the sport.
The appointment of Giovanni Malago as the head of the Italian Football Federation signals a much-needed intervention in a sport grappling with decline. His impressive track record at CONI demonstrates his capability to drive significant change and foster success. The challenges are substantial, from the national team's performance woes and the diminishing global standing of Serie A to the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and youth development reforms. However, Malago's experience in managing large-scale sporting events, such as the Winter Olympics, positions him well to tackle these multifaceted issues. His success will depend on his ability to unite disparate stakeholders, implement bold reforms, and reignite the passion and talent that once defined Italian football. The recent triumph of the U17 team offers a crucial reminder that the talent pool is not entirely dry; it simply needs nurturing and a clear pathway to the senior ranks. The football world will be watching closely to see if Malago can orchestrate the turnaround that Italian football so desperately needs.
