Italy and the Age-Old Problem of Veteran Leadership
As various individuals are proposed to succeed Gabriele Gravina as FIGC President, a fundamental issue within Italian football becomes increasingly apparent.
Gravina tendered his resignation as President 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 select his replacement, concluding a tenure that began in October 2018, in the aftermath of the Azzurri's initial play-off defeat.
New FIGC President to Choose Italy Coach
At 72 years old, Gravina has been deeply involved in Italian football for 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.
Even Renzo Ulivieri, the 85-year-old President of the Italian Coaches Association (AIAC), expressed his desire for Gravina to continue his leadership.
The frontrunner to become the next FIGC President is Giovanni Malagò, a dynamic 67-year-old who has held the presidency of CONI (Italian Olympic Committee) since 2013.
Another strong contender is Giancarlo Abete, the current President of the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti (Amateur League), who will turn 76 in August.
Just recently, Italian football icon Gianni Rivera, 82, announced his candidacy to lead the FIGC.
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