Giovanni Malagò and Rovshan Najaf, presidents of the Italian Football Federation and SOCAR respectively, yesterday signed a strategic cooperation agreement during the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum. Under the agreement, SOCAR will become the Global Energy Partner of Italy’s men’s and women’s national teams from 1 January 2027 to 31 December 2030, with the option to extend the partnership for a further two years until 2032.

The agreement further strengthens SOCAR’s presence in Italy and reflects the company’s long-term commitment to supporting the development of Italian football, while promoting its international reach and rich heritage of history, tradition and success.

 

FIGC president Giovanni Malagò with SOCAR president Rovshan Najaf

The agreement is of significant strategic value to the FIGC and Italian football as a whole, strengthening the Federation’s international standing and reaffirming the appeal of Italian football to leading global partners. Built on shared vision, continuity and ambition, the partnership could extend beyond its initial four-year term. Rooted in history, passion and identity, Italian football can now look to the future with even greater confidence, supported by an international partner such as SOCAR and with further investment in the development of the game both on and off the pitch.

 

President Malagò with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev

SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic) is Azerbaijan’s national energy company and one of the world’s largest integrated energy groups. Active across numerous international markets, SOCAR operates throughout the energy, oil and gas value chain. In 2026, it acquired Italiana Petroli (IP), one of Italy’s leading energy operators and owner of one of the country’s most recognisable fuel retail brands, further strengthening its position in the European energy sector.