The former AC Milan chief executive has secured the backing of the Italian Footballers' Association (AIC) and the Italian Coaches' Association (AIAC), which have completed the collection of signatures required to present his candidacy.
Their support represents a significant change in the balance of the election, after both organisations had previously aligned themselves with the campaign that brought Malagò to the presidency in June.
The two associations confirmed their decision in a joint statement, describing Galliani's experience and record as important considerations.
"The Italian Footballers' Association and the Italian Football Coaches' Association have completed the collection of the signatures necessary to present Adriano Galliani's candidacy for the presidency of the FIGC, in the elections to be held at the Federal Electoral Assembly on December 14," the statement read.
The organisations added that they regarded his candidacy as "an important opportunity" because of his history, experience and achievements, and said he was ready to share an open and progressive vision for reforms that could no longer be postponed.
Malagò's route to the presidency has been complicated by a procedural issue. He won the June election with 68.58 per cent of the weighted vote, but the National Olympic Committee of Italy (CONI) subsequently challenged the validity of his appointment because he did not meet the requirement to be an active member of the FIGC.
The federation was placed under extraordinary administration in October, with Malagò appointed as extraordinary commissioner by the CONI board while a new election was organised. He is expected to stand again.
To address the membership requirement, Malagò registered as an accompanying director with the futsal team of Circolo Canottieri Aniene, the Rome club of which he is a member and honorary president. The club has since affiliated with the FIGC.
The contest is not, however, simply a repeat of the June vote. Malagò has obtained the support of 11 of the 20 Serie A clubs, but the backing of the top-flight league is no longer assured across the board. Meanwhile, AIC and AIAC together account for 30 per cent of the federation's electoral weighting, giving Galliani an established base of support.
Those signatures allow both men to put their names forward, but they do not bind individual delegates when the votes are cast. The position of the amateur league, which carries 34 per cent of the electoral weight, could therefore prove important.
Galliani, who played a central executive role during Milan's most successful modern era, now faces a former CONI president whose initial election appeared to have secured broad consensus. With the December 14 vote approaching, neither candidacy can be regarded as assured.