Italy’s national team project under Roberto Mancini will not be affected if Giovanni Malago is removed as president of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi says.
Italian football faces a potentially decisive week, with growing reports that Malago’s election in June could be declared invalid.
Malago was not a registered FIGC member when the election took place. If his election is annulled, the federation would be placed under the control of a special commissioner until new elections could be held.
“I am following the situation carefully, but I will wait for the decision to be made within the sport,” Abodi told Sky Sport Italia.
“It is only right that the CONI and sporting justice system take care of it, and I will stop there, as any other words might be inopportune. The facts are there on the table, everyone has their opinion, but I hope the rules can be made less open to interpretation.”
Because Malago appointed Mancini as Italy manager, there have been concerns that the coaching decision could also be challenged if the FIGC president’s election is ruled invalid.
“Absolutely not. The Nazionale will go forward with wind in its sails, the technical project was handed to Mancini and Claudio Ranieri, so that is not in question,” said Abodi.
“What we must not do is disturb the concentration of the Nazionale, even though I am convinced these are great professionals who won’t let themselves be influenced by what happens outside.”
Abodi has sought to avoid direct involvement in the FIGC dispute, as political interference in the running of sport could expose Italian football to significant sanctions.
“Everything remains within sport, so it is the CONI that is taking care of it. Politics has to collaborate when necessary, but generally take an observational role,” he said.
The Government is, however, involved in preparing a dossier of possible host stadiums for EURO 2032, which Italy will share with Turkiye.
“The dossiers will be presented and then UEFA can choose five stadiums or, as I hope, even six,” Abodi added.
Italy responded to Monday’s 2-0 defeat by Belgium with a 4-1 victory over Turkiye in the Nations League. Abodi said the contrast between the two performances was clear, although he acknowledged that the quality of the opposition had also played a part.
“There was a big difference, of course some of that was also down to the quality of the opponent,” he said.
Before the match against Turkiye, Abodi had called for patience as Mancini continued to develop the team, which includes several young players making their debuts in the Azzurri jersey.
He said the Belgium performance should be left in the past and replaced with “renewed faith”.
“Mancini and his staff learned the lessons from the Belgium match, and I am convinced errors are not repeated when duly reflected upon.”
