A decisive vote
Giovanni Malagò, a veteran of Italian sport who once led the Italian Olympic Committee and continues to serve on the International Olympic Committee, was elected president of the Italian Football Federation on Tuesday. He captured 68.58% of the ballots, while his opponent Giancarlo Abete received 29.17%, signalling a clear mandate for change.
Malagò's first priority will be to replace Gennaro Gattuso, who left the national team coaching position after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. The federation also saw Gabriele Gravina step down in the wake of that defeat, creating a leadership vacuum that Malagò now must fill.
Coaching candidates emerge
The search for a new coach has turned to two familiar names: Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte. Mancini, who guided Italy to the Euro 2020 championship, most recently managed Saudi Arabia's national side before moving to Al‑Sadd in Qatar. Conte, a former Italy coach who stepped down at Napoli, remains a strong contender despite his recent sabbatical.
Both candidates bring distinct experience: Mancini's recent work in the Middle East and Conte's proven record at the 2016 European Championship and later with Napoli. Their decisions will be closely watched as the federation aims to restore confidence and competitiveness on the international stage.