Giovanni Malagò Backed by Serie A Clubs for FIGC Presidency

For the soccer aficionados and sports management circles here in Miami, the sudden power vacuum at the top of Italian football is more than just a distant European headline. With the recent resignation of Gabriele Gravina, the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) is entering a volatile election cycle that could reshape the landscape of the sport. For those of us in South Florida, where the influence of international sports investment and the growing footprint of European-style soccer academies are deeply felt, the outcome of the June 22nd elections in Italy serves as a case study in sports governance and political maneuvering.

The Malagò Momentum and the Serie A Power Play

The current frontrunner is Giovanni Malagò, the former president of the CONI (Italian National Olympic Committee). The sheer speed and unity with which the Lega Serie A has rallied behind him is almost unprecedented in the often-fractious world of Italian sports politics. In a decisive assembly held in Milan, Malagò secured the backing of 18 out of 20 clubs in the top flight. This level of consolidation suggests a desire for a stable, managerial approach to the “refoundation” that many believe the FIGC urgently requires.

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The alliance supporting Malagò is an eclectic mix of power players. Figures like Beppe Marotta have been highly active in this push, and the “big” clubs—including Juventus, Roma, and Milan—are reportedly in approval. Even Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli owner who had previously been a harsh critic of Malagò back in 2023, has shifted his stance, indicating that Malagò is the name from which the federation should restart. This shift is critical because the Serie A component holds 18% of the voting power, making them a kingmaker in the process.

The Resistance: Abete, Lotito, and the Lnd

However, the path to the presidency is not without friction. Giancarlo Abete and the Lnd (Lega Nazionale Dilettanti) represent a significant hurdle. The “Dilettanti” hold a substantial 34% of the preferences in the elective assembly, and Abete has signaled his own candidacy, resisting the notion of a “revolution” and positioning himself as a viable alternative. This creates a tension between the professional elite of Serie A and the grassroots infrastructure of the amateur leagues.

Then there is Claudio Lotito, the Lazio president, who stands in stark opposition to the Malagò surge. Lotito is reportedly pushing for a commissioner to be appointed—a solution also suggested by Minister Andrea Abodi—which would only be viable if the elections reach a total impasse. This internal conflict highlights the divide between those seeking a swift transition to a known administrative hand like Malagò and those who believe the system requires a more drastic, perhaps external, intervention.

The “Swing Votes”: Players and Coaches

As the June 22nd deadline approaches, the “balance of power” may shift toward the labor side of the game. The AIC (Assocalciatori), led by Umberto Calcagno, controls 20% of the votes. While they have remained largely on the sidelines, a strong push for Malagò could align the players with the Serie A interests. Similarly, the Assoallenatori, headed by Renzo Ulivieri, brings another 10% of the preferences to the table.

Interestingly, there is a lingering desire among the players to notice a former athlete in the president’s chair. This has kept names like Demetrio Albertini and Damiano Tommasi in the conversation as “attractive” profiles, though the momentum currently favors the administrative experience of Malagò. The withdrawal of Adriano Galliani—who explicitly stated that Malagò is “the best president possible”—further clears the field for the former CONI chief.

Implications for Global Sports Governance

This struggle for control is not just about who sits in the office in Rome. it is about the evolution of sports governance. The tension between the commercial interests of a top-flight league and the regulatory needs of a national federation is a theme we see globally. When a league as powerful as Serie A acts as a unified bloc, it signals a shift toward a more corporate-aligned leadership model in sports, moving away from the traditional political appointments of the past.

For those tracking international soccer investment and the flow of capital into European leagues, the stability of the FIGC is paramount. A prolonged deadlock or a period of commissariat would create uncertainty for investors and clubs alike, potentially slowing the “refoundation” process that the Italian game so desperately needs to remain competitive on the world stage.

Local Resource Guide for Miami Sports Executives

Given my background in analyzing the intersection of sports and business, the maneuvers we see in Italy often mirror the challenges faced by sports organizations and high-net-worth investors here in Miami. Whether you are managing a professional franchise, a youth academy, or a sports-centric real estate portfolio, the “Italian model” of governance highlights the necessitate for specialized local expertise. If the complexities of sports law or organizational restructuring are impacting your operations in South Florida, here are the types of professionals you should be consulting:

Sports Law & Governance Specialists: Look for attorneys who specialize in the intersection of private equity and athletic regulation. You need a professional who understands both the bylaws of governing bodies (like the USSF or international federations) and the contractual intricacies of athlete representation. Ensure they have a track record of handling multi-party disputes between owners and regulatory boards.
Strategic Sports Management Consultants: When restructuring an organization, avoid generalists. Seek consultants who have specific experience in “League-to-Federation” relations. The ideal candidate should be able to navigate the political landscape of stakeholders—balancing the needs of investors, coaches, and athletes—similar to the balancing act currently playing out between the Serie A and the Lnd.
International Sports Compliance Officers: For those involved in cross-border sports ventures, a compliance expert is essential. Look for professionals certified in international sports law who can audit governance structures to ensure they meet global standards. They should be capable of mitigating the risks associated with “impasse” scenarios or sudden leadership changes in partner organizations abroad.

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