Malagò takes helm of Italian soccer federation after Olympic success

Giovanni Malagò won the Italian soccer federation presidency on Monday with 68.58% of the vote, according to the Houston Chronicle and ESPN. The Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics organising committee chairman defeated former federation president Giancarlo Abete, who secured 29.17% support, in a contest that reflected the federation's institutional turmoil.

Malagò's election signals an attempt to stabilise Italian soccer's governance after years of instability. His background in managing the Milan Cortina Winter Games—a complex undertaking involving multiple regions, federal coordination, and international stakeholders—positions him to address the structural issues that have plagued the federation. The ESPN report noted that the federation faces a period of crisis requiring experienced leadership.

The timing coincides with broader changes in Italian sport's institutional landscape. Aurelio De Laurentiis, the Napoli owner, has been visible at the 2026 World Cup in North America, where he praised the tournament's organisation while signalling the continued competitive ambitions of Italian clubs in the global market. Malagò's appointment reflects a similar emphasis on professionalising Italian football's administration.