The Italian Federation elects the new president, the Duke attends and congratulates Malago

2026-06-22 16:49:00, Sport CNA

The Italian Federation elects the new president, the Duke attends and

The President of the Football Federation, Armand Duka, in his capacity as UEFA Vice-President, participated in the Extraordinary Electoral Assembly of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), where Giovanni Malagò was elected the new President of Italian football.

During the Assembly proceedings, President Duka delivered a welcoming speech on behalf of UEFA, conveying the message of support from the highest European football institution for the FIGC and Italian football.

In his speech, President Duka conveyed the greetings of UEFA President Aleksander ?eferin, praising the role and contribution of FIGC as one of the most important and influential federations in European football.

"It is a great honour to convey UEFA's greetings to this extraordinary assembly. I convey greetings from President Ceferin. We are closely following developments in Italian football and confirm our full support for the FIGC, one of the most influential and prominent federations in European football."

He expressed gratitude to former president Gabriele Gravina for the work, dedication and responsibility shown in leading Italian football over the past few years, underlining that the results achieved by Italy at all levels testify to the strength and quality of the football system in the country.

The Italian Federation elects the new president, the Duke attends and

"I want to say a few words in particular to Gabriele Gravina, who is not only President of the FIGC and Vice-President of UEFA, but also a friend with whom I have shared important years in European football. I thank him for his work, his passion and expertise, as well as the sense of responsibility with which he led the FIGC through difficult times. His resignation shows his commitment to Italian football; it is a decision that deserves respect, because taking responsibility in difficult times requires courage."

President Duka emphasized that Italian football has built strong foundations for the future, thanks to investments in talent development and the youth sector, while also praising the successes of the Italian national teams in recent years.

"Failing to qualify for the World Cup is a disappointment that affects everyone; it has hurt Italian football, it has hurt Gabriele and it has affected all of us who follow football. Losing a match without merit, a red card and a missed penalty can eclipse years of work and affect public opinion.

We need to look beyond a single episode; it would be a mistake to dwell solely on this play-off result. Italy won the European Championship in 2021, reached the historic semi-final for the women's national team in 2025, and has had success with its youth national teams in international competitions.

"These are not random results, they show that Italian football produces talent, the work done in the youth sector is excellent and the foundations for the future are strong."

At the end of his speech, the UEFA Vice-President congratulated the two candidates for their willingness to take on the responsibility of leading Italian football and assured that UEFA will continue to support the FIGC in its projects and objectives.

"Today is an important day for the FIGC and for Italian football. This assembly will elect the president who will lead Italian football. I extend my best wishes to the two candidates; their willingness to run is a sign of their great commitment to Italian football. I assure you that UEFA will continue to work alongside the FIGC with the same support that has always been part of our work. A strong FIGC means stronger European football."

President Duka also touched on the organization of the 2032 European Championship, emphasizing the importance of investments in stadiums and sports infrastructure, so that this major event leaves a lasting legacy for future generations.

"I cannot help but mention the 2032 European Championship, with Italy hosting one of the most important sporting events in the world. I call on national, regional and local institutions to seize this extraordinary opportunity. It is time to invest in stadiums and infrastructure to leave the right sporting structures as a legacy to future generations. I am convinced that Italian football will be able to successfully face this challenge as well."

At the end of the Assembly, Giovanni Malagò was elected the new President of the Italian Football Federation, taking over the leadership of one of the most prestigious federations in European football.

Immediately after the end of the electoral process, President Duka met with the new President Malagò, wishing him success in his new position and a successful mandate at the head of the FIGC.