Abodi: ‘Italy project not in question’ even if FIGC President removed

CESENA, ITALY - MAY 24:Andrea Abodi during the Women Supercup match betweeen AS Roma and ACF Fiorentina at Dino Manuzzi Stadium on May 24, 2024 in Cesena, Italy. (Photo by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Images)

Minister for Sport Andrea Abodi insists the Roberto Mancini project with Italy is ‘not in question’ even if FIGC President Giovanni Malagò is removed over an electoral irregularity.

Italian football remains in chaos and next week could be a decisive moment, with increasing reports that Malagò and his election as President of the Football Federation will be declared null and void.

This is because he was not a registered member of the FIGC when the election took place in June, so it would inevitably lead to the Federation being put under the guidance of a special commissioner until new elections can be organised.

Abodi backs Mancini’s Italy project

“I am following the situation carefully, but I will wait for the decision to be made within the sport,” Minister 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.”

Considering Malagò appointed Italy coach Mancini, there are concerns that decision too could be placed into doubt.

“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.

“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.”

Minister for Sport Abodi is trying to stay out of the FIGC situation, because any sense of politics interfering in sport could lead to strong sanctions against Italian football.

“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.”

Where the Government is getting involved is helping put together the dossier of potential host stadiums for EURO 2032, which will be shared with Turkiye.

“The dossiers will be presented and then UEFA can choose five stadiums or, as I hope, even six,” added Abodi.

Italy played in Turkiye for the Nations League on Monday, running out 4-1 winners, a huge improvement from the performance seen in a 2-0 defeat to Belgium.

“There was a big difference, of course some of that was also down to the quality of the opponent,” noted Abodi.

“I said before the Turkiye game that we needed to show patience and let them work. There are many young players in the side who are making their debut in the Azzurri jersey, so we must put the judgment of the past on the backburner and start afresh 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.”