Italian Football Leaders Meet: Malagò, Abete, and Key Figures Discuss Future of Serie A and FIGC Elections

The race for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) continued on April 23, 2026, as both leading candidates held separate meetings with key stakeholders in Rome. Giovanni Malagò, the Serie A-backed candidate and former president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), met with the Italian Footballers’ Association (AIC) and the Italian Coaches’ Association (AIAC) in the morning. Later the same day, Giancarlo Abete, president of the National Amateur League and the other declared contender, held his own discussions with the same groups.

Malagò’s meeting with AIC and AIAC lasted approximately two hours and was described as constructive by both sides. Speaking after the session, Malagò said, “It’s been two hours of meeting with the Association of Footballers and that coaches, we’ve talked about many themes, they have made me present their requests and their problems, which join those of the other components.” He added that he had documented their input and suggested that a directive and reflections should be prepared the following week. Malagò emphasized that the spirit of the meeting was favorable to all viewpoints and characterized it as “a must visit.”

The AIC and AIAC jointly summarized the encounter, stating, “The meeting developed in a constructive dialogue climate with a thorough comparison of the main themes currently at the heart of the federal debate. During the meeting, elements of convergence emerged on different strategic issues, confirming the shared will to contribute to the development and strengthening of the Italian football system.” This statement highlighted mutual agreement on several fronts despite the ongoing electoral contest.

Later in the day, at 15:30 local time, Giancarlo Abete met with the leadership of AIC and AIAC. Abete characterized his discussion as “a positive and very direct meeting,” noting that long-standing problems had been reviewed and that a reflection on general scenarios and priorities would be made in relation to potential programs. He indicated that such programs could be presented by May 13, adding, “We will feel in the coming days, there is not yet a set meeting.”

Both candidates are vying for the FIGC presidency in an election scheduled for June 22, 2026. Malagò was formally indicated as the candidate by Serie A clubs following an extraordinary assembly on April 20, where Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis publicly endorsed him, stating, “Nobody better than Malagò. Abete is not suitable.” De Laurentiis praised Malagò’s entrepreneurial background and experience at CONI, while expressing reservations about Abete’s suitability for the role.

The meetings with AIC and AIAC represent part of a broader consultation process involving all components of Italian football ahead of the June election. Malagò noted that he remains obligated to meet with all voting components before confirming his candidacy, while Abete’s engagement with the same groups signals his effort to build consensus across amateur and professional sectors.

As the campaign progresses, the focus remains on key strategic issues including financial sustainability, youth development and structural reforms—topics previously outlined by Serie A clubs as priorities for the next FIGC president. Both candidates have engaged with technical stakeholders to align their platforms with the concerns of players and coaches, setting the stage for a contested but deliberative race to lead Italian football into the next cycle.