Galliani Emerges as Serious Threat to Malagò as Serie A Backing Fractures Ahead of FIGC Vote

Adriano Galliani is emerging as a serious challenger to Giovanni Malagò in December's FIGC presidential election, even as the current Commissioner insists he retains the support of Serie A clubs, according to reports in Italy.

Cagliari and Monza players during a Serie A match

Serie A Support Erodes

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Serie A was almost unanimous in supporting Malagò's candidacy in April, but that support has weakened since. The clubs are unhappy that major decisions have been made without consulting them — starting with the appointment of Roberto Mancini as Italy coach, when many wanted Antonio Conte. They also feel left out of the choice of head of delegation and other key roles.

A group of clubs has now sounded out Galliani, who won 29 trophies in 31 years at Milan and later led Monza to their first-ever Serie A promotion. He has left the door open to a run.

Galliani's backers hope to build support among the players, coaches and lower divisions. Serie A must decide by majority which candidate to back before the 4 November deadline for candidacies, ahead of the vote on 14 December.

Malagò: 'I've Never Felt Abandoned'

Malagò, speaking to La Repubblica, is confident he will be re-elected.

"Since my election I have never felt abandoned by the majority, and I'm not discouraged by rumours about this, which may even be true," he said.

"I recognise there is some resistance from people with important histories behind them, but through dialogue you can even create unity."

"I'm calling all the Serie A presidents one by one. I've already spoken to 13, and they all guarantee me their support."

The dispute comes against the backdrop of a turbulent recent period at the federation. In earlier reporting, Malagò confirmed he had wanted Mancini as Italy coach from the outset, opening up on a chaotic summer that included an evening of talks with Pep Guardiola and the collapse of Andrea Pirlo's appointment.

With the candidacy deadline set for 4 November and the vote on 14 December, the contest is set to intensify in the coming weeks as Serie A clubs decide which candidate to back by majority.