Demetrio Albertini

Demetrio Albertini was mentioned alongside Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Del Piero as a potential candidate for the FIGC presidency following Gabriele Gravina's resignation in April 2026. No formal announcement had been made by mid-April. Candidates must declare by approximately 13 May 2026, with the Federal Council election scheduled for 22 June.

Albertini played as a deep-lying midfielder for AC Milan from 1988 to 2002, winning five Serie A titles and three Champions League trophies. He earned 79 caps for Italy, featuring at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups and Euro 2000, where Italy reached the final. Known for his technical precision and passing range, he was one of the defining midfielders of his era. After retiring, he held the role of FIGC Under-21 team director before becoming Vice-President of the FIGC from 2014 to 2021 under Gravina , giving him more direct governance experience than either Maldini or Del Piero.

Albertini's inside knowledge of FIGC operations is considered his chief advantage over the higher-profile candidates. His supporters argue that governance reform requires someone familiar with the institution's structures, not just a famous name. Critics counter that his association with the Gravina era could become a liability if the election becomes a referendum on the previous administration's failures.