• Giovanni Malagò wins support from both the Italian Players’ Association and the Italian Coaches’ Association for his FIGC presidential bid.
• The election to choose a replacement for Gabriele Gravina will take place on June 22.
• Malagò previously led the Italian Olympic Committee and managed the recent Milano-Cortina Winter Games.

The race to lead Italian football is heating up. Giovanni Malagò has received major backing from two powerful groups in the sport. Both the Italian Players’ Association and the Italian Association of Coaches now support his bid to become president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC).

This news comes after Lega Serie A gave their support to Malagò earlier. The election will happen on June 22. Voters will choose a replacement for Gabriele Gravina, who recently stepped down from the post.

The players’ and coaches’ groups explained their decision. They said they agree with Malagò on several important issues. These include plans for Club Italia, making football more sustainable, and improving the women’s game. They also share his vision for reforming the sport.

The voting system for this election gives different weight to different groups. Serie A clubs hold 18% of the vote. The players’ association controls 20%. Coaches have 10% of the say. Serie B contributes 6%, while Lega Pro has 12%. The amateur league, LND, holds the largest share with 34%.

Malagò brings strong experience to the role. He previously served as president of CONI, Italy’s Olympic committee. He also led the organisation of the recent Milano-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. With support from both players and coaches, he now looks well-placed to win the election.