Italian FA president Giovanni Malago has backed Daniela Bianchedi’s resignation as Italy national team manager and described Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi’s involvement in the dispute as “inappropriate”.
Bianchedi stepped down after Abodi criticised her for disagreeing with Italian Olympic Committee President Bonfiglio over whether the Italian Weightlifting Federation should be taken over.
“I can only support Daniela Bianchedi’s decision,” Malago said in an interview. “Abodi’s intervention was unusual, his words were problematic, and it was inappropriate. I think it’s hard to say there’s anything wrong with her decision.
“This is not the first time the Sports Minister has made such comments regarding football matters, in my opinion. The facts are very clear.”
Malago said Bianchedi had objected specifically to the minister intervening in the work and views of members of the Italian Olympic Committee’s executive board.
“What Daniela found particularly unacceptable was the Sports Minister directly intervening in the actions and positions of individual members within the Italian Olympic Committee’s executive board,” he said.
“This is precisely what happened. It’s not a question of who has a better relationship with Mario, Carlo, Giovanni, or Luciano. It’s clearly a direct intervention, which, in my opinion, is completely wrong, because the operating principles of sports autonomy must be respected.”
Malago also addressed his own position ahead of an upcoming meeting of the Italian Olympic Committee’s executive board. The meeting is expected to consider whether to take over the Italian FA because of issues relating to registration qualifications.
“I am very calm,” he said. “Perhaps I am wrong, I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I do this job as a volunteer, and I hold this position because I received support through elections, and others invited me to do so. With this in mind, why shouldn’t I remain calm?”
He also discussed Italy’s preparations to co-host Euro 2032 with Turkey, including concerns over the country’s stadium infrastructure.
“As you know, I have long been a strong supporter of Italy hosting major sporting events,” Malago said. “UEFA is watching us very closely. I have full respect for Italy, and also full respect for Vice President Gravina and his experience, and I believe they feel the same way about me.”
“But what we are facing now is a real challenge, because as of today, Italy has only one stadium that meets the conditions to host the Euros, while Turkey already has more than five.”
Malago also cited the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, the America’s Cup sailing competition, the ATP Finals and the Taranto Mediterranean Games when discussing Italy’s ability to stage major sporting events.
