Key Takeaways
- Francesco Calzona has left his role as Slovakia head coach and wants a return to club management
- The Italian tactician prefers a job in Serie A but is willing to consider offers from foreign leagues
- Calzona believes Georgia star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia could have won the Ballon d’Or if his country reached the World Cup
Francesco Calzona has confirmed he will not continue as Slovakia head coach. The Italian manager left the national team role after refusing a new contract. He now wants to return to daily training with a club side.
Calzona also worked as interim coach at Napoli between February and June 2024. He held both jobs at the same time during that period. Now he is a free agent and looking for a new challenge.
The 55-year-old criticised the international football calendar. He said national teams only meet every three or four months. This makes it hard to build a team identity or work properly with players.
He explained that 22 of his 27 squad members played in different leagues across the world. This made preparation very challenging. However, he found the experience satisfying.
“Club football is different,” Calzona stated. “You are on the training pitch every day. This is what coaches in our profession really want to do.”
Calzona wants to work in Italy first. “Italy has the priority,” he said. “But I do not mind another experience abroad.” He praised the tactical quality of Serie A. He said Italian coaches are very well prepared.
The former Slovakia boss also defended Italian football’s young players. He disagreed that there are too many foreign players in Italy. He said coaches need courage to play youngsters. He noted that Italy’s youth teams are performing well.
Calzona also spoke about Napoli star Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. The Georgian winger now plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Calzona worked with him at Napoli under Luciano Spalletti.
“Kvaratskhelia has special qualities,” Calzona said. “It is in his DNA to reach high levels. It was sad to see him leave Italy. He is now a Champions League star. If Georgia had qualified for the World Cup, he could have won the Ballon d’Or.”