Who is Giovanni Malagò and why is he running for FIGC president?: Malagò is a former four-term CONI president (2013–2025) and IOC member. He is the frontrunner to succeed Gabriele Gravina after Italy's third consecutive World Cup absence, backed by Serie A and the player and coach associations.
Who is competing against Malagò for the FIGC job?: Paolo Maldini (pushed by Sports Minister Abodi), Alessandro Del Piero, and Demetrio Albertini are all discussed as rivals. No former player has ever led the FIGC.Source: La Stampa / media
What is a commissioner bypass option in Italian football?: If no candidate reaches the required threshold in the FIGC vote, a commissioner can be appointed to run the federation until a candidate wins a majority. Malagò is positioned as the compromise option.Source: background
How many votes does Malagò have in the FIGC election?: As of 11 May 2026, Malagò has confirmed 48% of FIGC assembly votes: Serie A (18%), AIC/players (20%), AIAC/coaches (10%). Lega B (6%) and Lega Pro (12%) are undeclared but signalling support, which would push him to 66%.Source: Lowdown
When is the FIGC presidential election deadline?: Candidate declarations must be filed by 13 May 2026. The election itself is at the extraordinary FIGC assembly of 274 delegates on 22 June 2026 in Rome.

Background

Giovanni Malagò (born 13 March 1959, Rome) served as president of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) from 2013 to 2025, completing four consecutive terms. He led the organising committee for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics and has been a member of the International Olympic Committee since January 2019. His professional background spans sports management and tourism. He is regarded as Italy's most influential sports administrator of the past decade, with cross-party political access and strong ties to the professional game.

Malagò entered the FIGC presidential race as the frontrunner following Gabriele Gravina's resignation on 2 April 2026. By 20 April, Serie A's 18 of 20 clubs had formally backed him. The AIC (players, 20%) and AIAC (coaches, 10%) endorsed him after mid-April meetings, bringing his confirmed bloc to 48%.

On 6 May he met Lega B president Paolo Bedin; on 8 May he held a videoconference with Lega Pro president Matteo Marani. Neither made a formal declaration, but Bedin signalled support 'within the week'. On 10 May, Malagò told LaPresse he is 'getting ready' to file his candidacy. The 13 May declaration deadline falls on 11 May's tomorrow. If Lega B (6%) and Lega Pro (12%) align, Malagò reaches 66% before any vote is cast.

How the World Sees Them

CONI

Malagò's twelve years at CONI provide institutional relationships that translate into delegate credibility in a 274-vote assembly.

Serie A clubs

Back Malagò as a proven administrator who will manage the federation without destabilising club interests.

Players' union

Supporting Demetrio Albertini, whose candidacy draws votes from the same reform-minded constituency that might otherwise back Del Piero.

Sports Minister Abodi

Opposing Malagò in favour of Maldini — sees a former-player figurehead as more politically credible.