Diana Bianchedi resigned as head delegation of the Italy national football team on September 30, 2026, following sharp public criticism from Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi regarding internal friction within the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) Giunta. The resignation triggers an escalation of political tension between Palazzo H and the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), occurring just as CONI weighs a potential commissariamento of FIGC and other member federations.
Abodi criticizes contradictory opinions of CONI vicepresidents
Abodi commented on their initial opposition to a proposed receivership of the Italian Weightlifting Federation (FederPesi) during comments at a school project presentation, as noted by Sky TG24. The minister remarked in the early afternoon, on the sidelines of the fifth edition of the broadcaster’s school project ‘Sky Up The Edit’, that vicepresidents have a duty to express opinions, but if those opinions are constantly contradictory, they should make a choice regarding roles entrusted on a relationship of trust.
Abodi maintained that the vicepresidents hold their positions through a relationship of trust, stating that if their opinions constantly contradict that trust, they should make a choice regarding their roles. He added that he distrusts individuals who issue judgments without self-criticism, noting in corriere.it that he found Bianchedi’s choice surprising. Abodi also stated that he preferred to avoid the jungle of polemics and asserted that he has no enemies and does not seek them, while maintaining the right to express a respectful opinion without lacking respect for values.
Bianchedi Resigns to Protect the Azzurri
Hours after the minister’s remarks and extensive media coverage, Diana Bianchedi stepped down from her FIGC post. The two-time Olympic fencing gold medalist communicated her decision via a letter.
"Following the statements made by the Minister for Sport and Youth Andrea Abodi, and the controversy that arose in the press this afternoon, I resign as Head of the National Team Delegation,"
stated Bianchedi. She defended her athletic and administrative record, asserting that her values had been unfairly questioned. She also praised the squad, technical staff, and coach Roberto Mancini for their focus ahead of upcoming fixtures. Her selection in August 2026 as the successor to Gianluca Vialli and Gigi Riva had previously created internal friction surrounding Giovanni Malagò due to her lack of a football background, alongside considerations regarding potential conflicts of interest pending review by Anac.
Malagò reacts to potential FIGC receivership
Malagò stated that Bianchedi was rightly troubled by a government minister stepping into the internal merits of CONI Giunta behaviors.
Regarding potential calls from other sports officials for a FIGC receivership, Malagò expressed calm, noting that he serves as an elected volunteer with broad consensus. Meanwhile, corriere.it pointed out that CONI has received a fourth legal opinion favoring the potential receivership of the football federation. When CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio formally proposes the measure at the upcoming October 10 Giunta meeting, Bianchedi will be free to vote without holding a dual role in FIGC or facing potential Anac conflict-of-interest reviews. Buonfiglio will need to count open votes among Giunta members, which includes figures such as Federica Pellegrini and Federdanza president Laura Lunetta, who faces a judicial inquiry and potential upcoming receivership.
When Diana Bianchedi took her role and CONI disputes?
When did Diana Bianchedi take the role of head delegation?
Diana Bianchedi was conferred the role of head delegation of the Italy national football team in August 2026.
What sparked the confrontation between the government and CONI officials?
The dispute intensified after CONI vicepresidents initially opposed and then voted for the proposed receivership of the Italian Weightlifting Federation during a Giunta meeting, prompting public comments from Sport Minister Andrea Abodi.
When is the next CONI Giunta meeting regarding football federation oversight?
CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio is scheduled to present the formal proposal and arguments for potential receivership during the Giunta meeting expected around October 10, 2026.