The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) will elect its new president on February 3, 2024, and it’s not certain that the current president, Gabriele Gravina, will remain in his position.
While Gravina is expected to run for a third term, a new challenger has emerged who could pose a significant threat: Alessandro Del Piero. The former Juventus captain and World Cup winner is rumoured to be preparing to enter the race for the top role in Italian football.
Although there has been no official announcement yet, Del Piero’s candidacy could become official in the coming days. According to La Repubblica, Del Piero has already been approached to assess his interest, and sources close to him suggest that he has not dismissed the idea. If the right conditions are met, Del Piero appears ready to accept the challenge.
It remains unclear who would back Del Piero’s candidacy, but his global reputation as a World Cup champion in 2006 with Marcello Lippi’s Italy and his distinguished playing career make him a strong candidate. His candidacy could be supported by key factions within Italian football, including the Players’ Association (Assocalciatori), coaches, or even some elements of Serie A. Gravina has had a contentious relationship with Serie A leadership in recent years, and influential figures like Lazio owner Claudio Lotito an outspoken critic of Gravina is reportedly pushing for Del Piero.
If Del Piero decides to run, it would mark his first official foray into football administration since his retirement as a player in 2014. While there was past speculation about him joining Juventus’ post-Andrea Agnelli leadership, nothing ever materialized. At 50 years old, this would be a significant step into a prominent leadership role for the iconic forward.
Support and Reactions
Prominent voices in Italian sports have already weighed in. Beppe Bergomi, a World Cup winner in 1982, endorsed Del Piero, saying:
“Alex is someone I know well because we’ve worked together. I know his perspective, and how he views football, and he’s well-prepared and eager to make an impact. He’d be perfect for the role. At 50, he’s ready.”
Meanwhile, Giovanni Malagò, the president of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), expressed surprise at the news, stating:
“I was surprised to read about Del Piero as a candidate for FIGC president. If true, it would be a significant development, but we need certainty before making further comments.”
Del Piero’s potential candidacy has already sparked widespread discussion and could bring a fresh perspective to Italian football leadership, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years. Should he officially declare his intent to run, Del Piero’s global stature and credibility could make him a formidable candidate to reshape the future of Italian football.
