For days, rumours have been circulating about the potential candidacy of Juventus legend and current Sky Sports pundit Alessandro Del Piero for the presidency of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). With elections scheduled for February 3, where current president Gabriele Gravina will seek re-election, speculation has been mounting about Del Piero’s possible bid.
The former Italian international has finally decided to address these rumors head-on during a Champions League [**broadcast on Sky Sport**](https://www.tuttosport.com/news/calcio/serie-a/juventus/2024/11/28-135827366/del_piero_esalta_conceicao_e_svela_il_problema_juve_c_da_lavorare/5).
Del Piero clarified his position, stating, “The situation is simple: I didn’t wake up one morning and decide to run. A candidacy needs to be proposed by someone, and no one from FIGC has asked me to take on this role, so what should I say? If you’re not ‘invited,’ you can’t present yourself alone. I’m very happy here at Sky, and I’m an open-minded, available person: I like to talk, listen, stay informed, and as a football man, I follow everything.”
He emphasized the need for a team spirit in such a role, adding, “Obviously, a situation like this, if it were to happen, must be considered with a different team spirit: I’ve been associated with one faction over another, but I’m not that type of person.”
Del Piero further explained, “The experience with Mr. Capello, who is here in the studio, has shaped us, has seen us victorious, and he knows that for me, the team is fundamental. One man or woman doesn’t change the dynamics; there must be a team spirit to reach where you want to go. I don’t want to work against anyone, especially for the FIGC: we’ve all given our soul for Italy, I even won a World Cup, imagine if I want to cause trouble.”
He concluded by stating, “You need to sit at a table with someone who wants you and discuss it, understand the dynamics. As of today, there’s nothing concrete.”
Reactions and Election Process
Paolo Condò explained the election process, noting that candidacies must be submitted by Christmas, about 40 days before the February 3 election. A candidate must be proposed by one of the leagues or components (players, referees, or coaches).
Paolo Di Canio jokingly commented, “It’s true: Alex’s intelligence, his maturity. Now we’ll take him out of embarrassment: Mr. President, I swear I’ve always loved you! If there’s a place for me… If I propose you, you’re ruined!”