Full Breakdown
Italy's New FIGC President Pursues High-Profile Coach for Azzurri
6/23/2026, 9:39:49 PM
Malagò’s Election and Coaching Goal
On 23 June 2026, Giovanni Malagò was elected FIGC president with 68.58 % of the votes of 266 delegates, defeating Giancarlo Abete. In his inaugural remarks he said the federation’s priority is to appoint a “high-profile” national-team manager who can capture public imagination.
Crisis Context
The federation faces what officials call its deepest post-war crisis, highlighted by a recent World Cup qualification failure and calls for reforms such as betting-revenue shares, youth-academy tax credits and stadium upgrades. Stakeholders argue that without a charismatic leader, fan engagement and sponsorship revenue may continue to decline.
Preferred Candidates and Budget
Serie A clubs, led by Napoli owner Aurelio De Laurentiis, back Antonio Conte—former Napoli, Juventus, Inter and Chelsea manager—who is unattached after rejecting Saudi and Turkish offers. Roberto Mancini, Euro 2021 winner, would work for a net €2-2.5 million per season. Paolo Maldini is the leading technical-director candidate. Malagò notes Conte’s salary would exceed Mancini’s demand, while the FIGC has reallocated 1 % of mutual-aid funds (€10.8 million) from youth academies to women’s Serie A.
Official Statements
Malagò emphasized that the federation’s technical project must prioritize a high-profile coach and that collective effort is essential. He also stressed that Italy’s football heritage should inspire future development rather than constrain it. Conte’s response highlighted his personal pride in the role, while Mancini limited his public remarks to salary expectations.
Criticism
Critics cite political and financial concerns. Outgoing President Gravina said the €10.8 million reallocation “has harmed football.” Serie A League president Andrea Simonelli called recent politics “distancing itself from football.” Serie B president Riccardo Bedin noted “politics never manages to include football on its agenda.” Giancarlo Abete called the situation “a problem with politics that we need to resolve.”
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources do not disclose Conte’s exact salary request, leaving uncertainty about affordability. The timetable for confirming the coach and technical director also remains open, although Malagò has said a decision will come “within a few weeks.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “And the national team remains the national team: "If I were the FIGC president, I would consider myself.” — Antonio Conte, former coach
- “Alone I can do nothing, together we can do everything” — Giovanni Malagò, FIGC President
- “Politics must respect sport; everything can be accepted, but not that we are not involved in a measure that concerns us. These dynamics benefit no one.” — Giovanni Malagò
- “Perhaps they thought they were punishing the old and perhaps the new FIGC: they were mistaken, they have harmed football” — Outgoing FIGC President Gravina
What’s Next
Malagò will meet Sports Minister Andrea Abodi on Thursday to discuss the €10.8 million reallocation. He expects the technical director and head-coach appointments to be finalised within weeks, in the near term, subject to budget negotiations and sponsor support.
