Leadership Shakeup and Federation Relations at FIGC
“I only want to thank Maldini and Leonardo,” Malagò stated, highlighting the transparency of the talks. “In the last 15 days, I spent more time in video calls with them than with any other person. They were true gentlemen, frank and honest regarding their position. My position was equally frank.”
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Roberto Mancini Takes the Helm Amid Squad Constraints
“The new coach will have only two training sessions before the Nations League,” Malagò explained, adding a touch of irony about available talent. “And as far as I know, from the Bósnia match until today, Lamine Yamal, Kylian Mbappé, and Harry Kane have not been naturalized, so we have to do the best with what we have.”
“There is a field that needs to be plowed, sown, and from which one must harvest, in the shortest time possible, starting with the youths of 13 and 14 years old with the objective of having many players selectable for the European Championship in 2032, at home,” Malagò stated.
Upcoming Staff Additions and Youth Coordination
Malagò announced that he expects to confirm a third figure dedicated to the coordination of national youth selections before the end of the week.
Media reports in Italy strongly point to former player Gianfranco Zola as the frontrunner for this youth coordination role, though official confirmation from the federation is still pending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new manager of the Italy national football team?
What happened to Paolo Maldini and Leonardo at the FIGC?
Paolo Maldini and Leonardo departed from their roles as technical director and consultant following transparent discussions with FIGC leadership.
What is the long-term goal for Italian football development?
The federation aims to build a robust youth pipeline targeting players aged 13 and older to prepare a competitive squad for the home European Championship in 2032.