Key Takeaways:
- Giovanni Malagò was formally elected as the new FIGC President in Rome today
- Malagò achieved 68.58% of the vote, defeating Giancarlo Abete, who garnered 29.17%
- The immediate challenge for Malagò will be appointing a new coach for Italy, following Gabriele Gravina’s resignation
Election Details and Voting Breakdown
Giovanni Malagò has been officially installed as the President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), prevailing over Giancarlo Abete during an election conducted today at the governing body’s Rome headquarters. Malagò replaces Gabriele Gravina, who stepped down after Italy missed qualification for a third successive World Cup.
Giovanni Malagò has been formally elected as the new President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), beating Giancarlo Abete to succeed Gabriele Gravina.#Calcio #FIGC #SerieA #Azzurri pic.twitter.com/uuvt5SEzvG
— Football Italia (@footballitalia) June 22, 2026
Out of a total of 274 delegates representing an array of stakeholders within Italian football, Malagò emerged victorious in the first round, claiming 68.58% of the votes. Giancarlo Abete, the current President of the LND (National Amateur League), received 29.17%, whilst 2.25% of ballots were submitted blank.
| Candidate | Percentage of Vote |
|---|---|
| Giovanni Malagò | 68.58% |
| Giancarlo Abete | 29.17% |
| Blank Ballots | 2.25% |
Weighted Votes by Stakeholder Group
The election operates with a weighted system, allocating varying proportions of voting power to each component within Italian football. Lega Serie A carries 18% of the total weight, Serie B 6%, Lega Pro/Serie C 12%, while the LND commands a substantial 34%. Additionally, the Players’ Association and Coaches’ Association are assigned 20% and 10% respectively.
- Lega Serie A: 18%
- Serie B: 6%
- Lega Pro/Serie C: 12%
- LND (Amateur Leagues): 34%
- Players’ Association: 20%
- Coaches’ Association: 10%
Given Abete’s leadership of the LND, he began with an anticipated 34% backing. Nonetheless, Malagò managed to rally the majority of the other sections and surpassed the 50% threshold required for election on the opening ballot.
Profile of the New President and Upcoming Challenges
At 67 years of age, Giovanni Malagò arrives with significant administrative experience, having previously been President of the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) from 2013 to 2025. He is also noted for overseeing preparations for the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina in 2026.
Speaking after his election, Malagò stated: “It is with profound emotion that I take on this sense of responsibility. I cannot do anything alone, but with you, I can do anything.”
His first significant responsibility as FIGC President will be to appoint the next manager for the Italian national side, a role made vacant in the wake of Gravina’s resignation after the nation’s continued World Cup qualification woes.
