Malagò claims Serie A backing as Galliani challenge takes shape

Giovanni Malagò says he has secured assurances of support from 13 Serie A presidents as he seeks to retain leadership of the Italian Football Federation, despite growing interest among clubs in a possible Adriano Galliani candidacy.Nominations close on November 4 ahead of the December 14 election, creating a short window for Italy’s football stakeholders to settle their positions and determine whether Galliani will formally enter the contest.Malagò said: “The hope is that my candidacy continues to bring together, as it did in June, a world that for years experienced divisions, including very strong ones.“I am calling all the Serie A presidents one by one: I have already spoken to thirteen and they all guarantee me their support.”Those assurances remain Malagò’s account of his conversations rather than a published list of endorsements or a formal collective position from Serie A.The league had backed his earlier appointment almost unanimously, but some clubs are reportedly dissatisfied with their involvement in subsequent decisions.Galliani, who led Serie A’s league organisation between 2002 and 2006, has reportedly indicated initial willingness to stand while continuing to assess whether he could unite the federation’s different constituencies.Preparatory work on the documentation required for a candidacy is reportedly under way, although no formal nomination has been confirmed in the supplied material.Malagò acknowledged resistance but argued that disagreements could be addressed through discussion.He said: “Since my election I have never felt abandoned by the majority. Nor do I become discouraged if there are rumours about this, which may even correspond to the truth.“I acknowledge that there is resistance from people with important histories behind them, but through dialogue we can even create a shared position.”The contest concerns more than support within the top division, with Serie B, Lega Pro, amateur football, coaches and players also relevant to the federation’s electoral balance.Reports suggest the eventual Serie A candidate could attract backing from other constituencies, but those alignments remain prospective rather than confirmed voting commitments.Malagò also addressed the management decisions behind Roberto Mancini’s return as national-team coach, presenting the episode as an example of his intended division between football responsibilities and institutional leadership.He said: “There is no doubt that I wanted Roberto from the beginning, and I confirm that here too.“I believe I understand football, but the signal I wanted to give was to leave responsibility for Club Italia and deal with organisation, resource management, sponsors, diplomatic channels, institutional and political matters.”He had appointed Paolo Maldini to oversee the sporting process alongside Leonardo, but their brief involvement ended following disagreements over the coaching appointment.Malagò said consideration of Andrea Pirlo stopped when his ambassadorial contract with a Russian betting company became known.That account adds a commercial and reputational dimension to the federation’s summer decision-making, although the immediate electoral issue is whether clubs remain willing to support Malagò’s leadership.The next decisive step is the November 4 nomination deadline, by which any Galliani challenge must move from exploratory discussions to a formal candidacy.