At his first press conference as FIGC president, Giovanni Malagò made clear that he would continue to support Roma, arguing that ‘what matters is how you conduct yourself’ and citing Prince William and Barack Obama as examples.
One of the many topics addressed by new FIGC President Malagò on Monday was his well-known support for Serie A side Roma.
Malagò: ‘I was always institutional in my role’
“There is nothing worse than someone denying their own background, especially when it comes to family,” Malagò replied via TMW.
“For 13 years, as the President of CONI, I was always institutional in my role. No one can really criticise me on that point.”
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 05: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, speaks during the Paralympic Games Opening Press Conference ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images)
When asked whether he’d change the way he celebrates Roma goals at the Stadio Olimpico, he replied: “That’s a very provincial mindset.”
Malagò continued by first mentioning former US President Obama’s support for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and then adding: “Look at the Royal Family, with Prince William celebrating for Aston Villa. What matters is how you conduct yourself, but you should never deny who you are.”
BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – APRIL 16: Federico Ravaglia of Bologna saves a penalty from Morgan Rogers of Aston Villa during the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Quarter-Final Leg Two match between Aston Villa FC and Bologna FC 1909 at Villa Park on April 16, 2026 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
CORTINA D’AMPEZZO, ITALY – MARCH 5: Giovanni Malago, President of the Organising Committee for the 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, speaks during the mural inauguration ahead of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games at the Cortina Paralympic Village on March 05, 2026 in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy. (Photo by Linnea Rheborg/Getty Images for IPC)
Malagò was elected with nearly 69% of the vote and discussed several topics during his first press conference, held immediately after the election.
During his meeting with the press, Malagò admitted that the Italian football situation is “completely fossilised” and insisted that he hadn’t yet held talks with any candidates for the Italy head coach.
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