Italy, one of the most notable absentees from the 2026 World Cup, is in the process of selecting new officials to revitalize its beleaguered soccer association. This comes as Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s allies were unsuccessful in their efforts to exert greater control over the organization.
Giovanni Malagò, a seasoned sports official and former president of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) for over ten years, managed to overcome resistance from Italy’s right-leaning government to become the new head of the Italian soccer association (FIGC) earlier this week.
Malagò faces the significant task of repairing his relationship with Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, with whom he has previously had disagreements. Abodi has publicly raised concerns about Malagò’s qualifications in soccer. Despite persistent attempts by Meloni’s administration to prevent Malagò from acquiring the FIGC’s top position, it ultimately did not succeed.
In a country passionate about soccer, Italy’s failure to secure a World Cup spot has become a battleground for debates on governance, reforms, investments, and the Meloni administration’s attempts to expand political influence into autonomous institutions.
Italian soccer enthusiasts, disheartened by their nation missing out on the last three World Cups, are eager for Malagò to appoint a new head coach for Italy.
Leading candidates for the position include Roberto Mancini and Antonio Conte, both of whom have previously led the Italian national team. Additionally, former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini is reportedly being considered for a role that would serve as a liaison between the FIGC and the players, according to Italian media.
Malagò’s agenda includes more than just selecting a coach.
Italy is required to designate five stadiums that can host matches for Euro 2032, which it will co-host with Turkey, by an October deadline. This poses a challenge, as UEFA, Europe’s governing body, has cautioned that Italy risks losing its co-hosting status unless it improves its outdated soccer infrastructure.
