Italy, a four-time World Cup champion, now faces significant challenges as it has missed three consecutive tournaments, having not qualified for a World Cup since 2014. This period marks a low point for a nation renowned for its rich football heritage and iconic tactics. The Italian Football Federation, or FIGC, has elected Giovanni Malago as its new president. With a decisive vote of 68.58% on June 22, 2026, he is tasked with the daunting responsibility of revitalizing Italian football.
Malago's background as the former president of the Italian Olympic Committee from 2013 to 2025 positioned him uniquely, allowing him to oversee Italy's successful bid for the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Following the resignation of his predecessor Gabriele Gravina in April 2026, after the national team's disheartening failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, Malago has inherited a troubled legacy. The current situation marks the third consecutive World Cup Italy has missed, consecutively failing to qualify for the 2018 tournament in Russia and the 2022 edition in Qatar.
The failures represent a significant concern for Italian football and echo a larger problem that needs immediate attention. In 2018, Italy lost to Sweden in a playoff that stunned fans. Further compounding this was their loss to North Macedonia in 2022, a shocking exit for a team that had just claimed victory in Euro 2020. This dissonance between expectation and reality underscores the urgency for reform within the Italian football system.
Looking ahead, Italy must set its sights on qualifying for the 2028 European Championship. This objective is critical, as the qualification process is not aligned with any proposed multi-year restructuring plan. The road to recovery for Italian football is steep, but with decisive leadership and a clear roadmap, there remains a chance to restore Italy to its former glory on the international football stage.