Giovanni Malagò appointed FIGC president as Italy endures third straight World Cup miss

Veteran sports administrator Giovanni Malagò, former CONI president, was confirmed as the new head of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) after a brief clash with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government, which attempted to block his appointment. Malagò now faces the task of repairing relations with Sports Minister Andrea Abodi, overseeing the selection of Euro 2032 stadiums, and steering a federation still reeling from Italy’s failure to qualify for three consecutive World Cups.

Midfielder Jorginho voiced the frustration of players and fans, saying, “It’s already the 3rd World Cup in a row that we miss… we’ve hit rock bottom,” and adding, “It’s strange to see the World Cup without Italy. I hope it doesn’t become a normal thing.” The ongoing absence marks a stark decline for a nation that last appeared at the tournament in 2014 and has prompted the federation to launch restructuring, youth‑development investment, and broader reforms.

The appointment and the broader crisis highlight a proxy battle over governance, investment, and the Meloni administration’s influence over traditionally independent sporting bodies, while Italy also prepares to co‑host Euro 2032 with Turkey, a task contingent on upgrading dilapidated stadium infrastructure.