The race for the next FIGC President is heating up, with two major candidates—Giancarlo Abete and Giovanni Malagò—making their pitches to the Lega Serie B clubs today. The outcome of this election will shape the future of Italian football, and the support from Serie B could be a key factor in deciding who takes the helm.

This leadership vacuum comes after Gabriele Gravina stepped down following Italy's failure to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup—a massive blow for a nation with a storied football history. Now, the focus is on who can restore order and vision to the sport.

Malagò, the former CONI President, has already secured public backing from the Lega Serie A, Coaches Association, and Players Association. Meanwhile, Abete, the current President of the LND (Amateur League), holds the largest voting bloc, making him a formidable contender. Today's meetings with Serie B clubs were a chance for both to outline their plans for Italian football's future.

Lega Serie B President Paolo Bedin described the day as "positive and useful." He added, "We outlined a document with our priorities, and both Abete and Malagò answered our questions. Over the next two or three days, we'll discuss it with the 20 club owners and decide who to support."

While Serie B's vote accounts for only six percent of the decision-making process, every percentage point counts in this tight race. The election is set for June 22, and once a new FIGC President is chosen, the search for Italy's next head coach can officially begin. Malagò has yet to formally confirm his candidacy, keeping the football world on edge.