In a significant development for Italian football governance, the majority of Serie A clubs have cast their support behind Giovanni Malagò as their preferred candidate for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). This collective endorsement, which saw only two clubs abstain, highlights a strong consensus within Italy's top football league regarding the future leadership of the sport. The upcoming election, slated for late June, will be a pivotal moment for the direction of Italian football.
Serie A Clubs Rally Behind Giovanni Malagò for FIGC Presidential Bid
On a Monday morning in April 2026, a crucial meeting of Lega Serie A convened in Milan, with the primary agenda being the nomination of a candidate for the FIGC presidential election. As reported by Sky Sport Italia, Giovanni Malagò, the esteemed former President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), emerged as the overwhelming choice. A remarkable eighteen out of twenty Serie A clubs unequivocally backed the 67-year-old, signaling a unified front from the league. The votes from Lega Serie A carry a significant weight, accounting for 18% of the total electoral college that will select the new FIGC President on June 22.
While the support for Malagò was nearly unanimous, two clubs, Lazio and Hellas Verona, opted to abstain from expressing an immediate preference. Their decision stemmed from a desire to meticulously review the regulatory framework governing the election process before committing their vote. However, sources close to the discussions indicated that their abstention was not an opposition to Malagò himself, but rather a procedural consideration. Notably, even powerhouse clubs like Juventus and Milan, despite earlier reports suggesting their preference for Adriano Galliani, ultimately joined the chorus of support for Malagò. This consolidated backing was further bolstered by prominent figures such as Inter President Beppe Marotta and Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, who have been vocal proponents of Malagò's candidacy.
This decisive move by Serie A clubs indicates a desire for experienced leadership within the FIGC. Malagò's extensive background in sports administration, particularly his tenure at CONI, likely resonated with club owners seeking stability and strategic direction. The strong consensus also suggests a potential for smoother cooperation between the top league and the national federation, an outcome that could greatly benefit Italian football as a whole. The stage is now set for the June election, with Malagò positioned as a leading contender, armed with the significant backing of Serie A.
The resounding support for Giovanni Malagò from the majority of Serie A clubs underscores a clear demand for experienced and unified leadership within Italian football. This alignment between the league and its preferred candidate could usher in a new era of collaboration and strategic development for the sport. It highlights the importance of strong governance and the collective will of key stakeholders in shaping the future trajectory of football in Italy.
