Malagò and Galliani set for FIGC presidency fight, with Napoli staying quiet

The race for the presidency of the FIGC, Italy's football federation, is taking shape. Candidacies must be submitted by Wednesday 4 November. The vote is set for Monday 14 December.

Malagò is one candidate. He has reportedly told his closest allies: "I'll win this one too". He has already spoken by phone with his rival.

The other is Galliani, who is favoured by Abodi and Giorgetti. Marotta and Percassi are said to have persuaded him to stand. Their starting point is a simple one: no federation group will put forward Malagò unless Serie A does.

The mechanism matters more than the names. Blocking Malagò takes 10 votes, not 11, and that would produce a stalemate. So the contest turns on eight clubs that will steer the weight of Serie A.

Cagliari and Sassuolo lean towards Galliani. Malagò is aiming at Frosinone and Udinese, historically close to Marotta and Percassi. At Juventus, the owners' position is the key, with Malagò and Giorgetti pressing Elkann. Lotito remains unpredictable: three months ago Lazio were one of two clubs that had not signed for Malagò.

On Napoli, we are cautious. The club has not shown its hand in public, and the reports on alignments and signatures all remain to be confirmed. One remark stands out. Malagò said recently: "Aurelio is a family friend".

For supporters, this is about trust. We would like to hear from those who decide for the club what lies behind a choice like this, not learn it from leaks.

The names will be known from Wednesday 4 November. Until then, our attention is on the pitch, at Monza on Wednesday 28 October.