Giovanni Malagò has been elected President of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) on June 22, 2026, securing nearly 69 per cent of the vote from Italian football stakeholders. His immediate priority is appointing a new head coach following Gennaro Gattuso’s resignation after Italy failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Third consecutive World Cup failure
Italy’s elimination represents a third successive World Cup qualification failure, meaning the Azzurri will not feature at the tournament for 12 years. The team finished second in their qualification group behind Norway, forcing them into the play-off path where they defeated Northern Ireland in the semi-finals before losing to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the final.
Gattuso stepped down as head coach in the wake of the defeat, while former FIGC President Gabriele Gravina also departed, paving the way for Malagò’s election.
Experienced candidates
Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte have emerged as the primary candidates for the vacant position, with reports suggesting the competition may ultimately become a two-horse race despite other names such as Pep Guardiola being mentioned in Italian media.
Both candidates bring previous international experience with Italy. Mancini led the national team to victory at Euro 2021 but departed after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. Conte, formerly of Napoli, guided Italy to the quarter-finals at Euro 2016.
Malagò has also moved to strengthen the federation’s technical structure, with Paolo Maldini offered the role of technical director.
Euro 2032 and reform challenges
Beyond the immediate managerial appointment, Malagò faces the challenge of preparing for Euro 2032, which Italy will co-host with Turkey. The new FIGC President must identify five suitable stadiums for the tournament and has already held discussions with UEFA President Aleksandar Ceferin regarding the organisational requirements.
At his first press conference, Malagò acknowledged the scale of reform needed within Italian football. “If it weren’t for a penalty, I wouldn’t be here now,” he said, referencing the circumstances that led to his election. He criticised the previous administration’s inability to implement change, stating: “Objectively, the situation is completely fossilised. I will continue to defend the autonomy of sport, but if we don’t manage to change our ways, then someone will have to put us into a position to change.”
The new coach’s primary objective will be securing qualification for the 2030 World Cup, ending Italy’s prolonged absence from the global finals.