Italy and the Age-Old Problem of Veteran Leadership
As various individuals are put forward to succeed Gabriele Gravina as President of the FIGC, a significant and recurring issue within Italian football becomes undeniably clear.
Gravina tendered his resignation as the head of the Italian Football Federation following the national team's third consecutive failure to qualify for a World Cup.
New elections are scheduled for June 22 to determine his replacement, bringing an end to his tenure that began in October 2018, shortly after the Azzurri's initial loss in the play-offs.
The Next Italy Coach to be Selected by New FIGC President
Gravina, 72, has been a prominent figure in Italian football for several decades, having also served as Lega Pro President from 2015 to 2018.
He succeeded Carlo Tavecchio, who passed away in January 2023 at the age of 79.
Renzo Ulivieri, the 85-year-old President of the Italian Coaches Association (AIAC), openly stated his wish for Gravina to have remained in charge.
The current frontrunner to assume the FIGC presidency is Giovanni Malagò, a dynamic 67-year-old who has led the CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) since 2013.
Another viable candidate is Giancarlo Abete, currently the President of the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (Amateur League), who will turn 76 in August.
Just today, Italian football icon Gianni Rivera, 82, declared his intention to run as a candidate for the FIGC leadership position.
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