Giovanni Malago has been appointed as the new president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) following the national team’s failure to qualify for a third straight FIFA World Cup. The former Olympic chief secured 68.58 percent of the vote during an assembly in Rome, defeating Giancarlo Abete to take over an organization facing a significant historical crisis.
Malago replaces Gabriele Gravina, who stepped down after Italy’s unexpected exit from qualifiers earlier this year. This latest failure to reach the global tournament highlights deep-rooted issues within Italian football, specifically regarding player development. With four World Cup titles in their history, the recent dry spell has prompted intense scrutiny from fans and officials alike.
Addressing his appointment, Malago emphasized that the federation must serve as a beacon of inspiration rather than just an administrative body. He highlighted the need for a courageous and ambitious approach to rebuild the sport. His agenda includes selecting a new national coach, overhauling youth development, and managing preparations for co-hosting Euro 2032 with Turkey.
The federation has been in turmoil since the team’s failed campaign, which led to the resignation of coach Gennaro Gattuso and the departure of delegation head Gianluigi Buffon. Malago has appealed for unity, asserting that collaborative effort is essential for success as the organization seeks to move beyond its recent shortcomings.
