A new era for Italian football
Giovanni Malagò, the former president of the Italian Olympic Committee and longtime IOC member, has just been elected president of the Italian Football Federation, succeeding Gabriele Gravina. Malagò captured 68.58% of the votes in the election, while Giancarlo Abete, the outgoing federation chief, trailed with 29.17%.
Malagò’s ascent comes at a turbulent moment for Italian football. The national team failed to qualify for the upcoming World Cup, prompting the resignation of coach Gennaro Gattuso and forcing the federation to seek a new technical director. The 68‑year‑old Malagò, who led the Italian Olympic Committee from 2015 to 2021 and remains an IOC member, will now steer the federation through this transitional period.
The coaching dilemma
The immediate priority for Malagò is the appointment of a new head coach. With the World Cup qualification campaign ending in disappointment, the federation’s leadership is eager to restore competitiveness on the international stage. Two names dominate the speculation: Roberto Mancini, who guided Italy to the Euro 2020 championship, and Antonio Conte, the architect of the 2016 European Championship run.
Mancini, after a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, recently left his position at Al‑Sadd in Qatar and is reportedly considering a return to the Italian bench. His tactical expertise and recent triumphs make him a favorite among many officials. Conte, who last coached Napoli before stepping down, also remains on the radar, though his future plans are less clear.
Both candidates bring distinct experience: Mancini’s recent club success in the Middle East and his national team triumph in 2021, and Conte’s proven ability to revitalize squads, as demonstrated during his tenure at the 2016 European Championship. The federation’s board will need to weigh club performance, tactical philosophy, and the desire for a fresh direction.
Meanwhile, the broader football community watches closely. The outcome will shape not only the national team’s immediate prospects but also the governance landscape of Italian sport, which has seen a series of leadership changes in recent months.