Newly elected FIGC President Giovanni Malagò has declared that the Italy national team must target more than just World Cup qualification, following their absence from the 2026 tournament. Malagò’s statements come as the Azzurri prepare for their first international fixtures under a new leadership structure, which includes the return of Roberto Mancini as coach and Claudio Ranieri as technical director.
Setting New Standards for the Azzurri
Speaking in an interview, Malagò emphasised that simply qualifying for major tournaments is not enough for a nation with Italy’s footballing pedigree. His comments reflect a desire to move past recent disappointments, particularly the failure to reach the 2026 World Cup after a play-off final defeat to Bosnia and Herzegovina, which led to the resignation of his predecessor, Gabriele Gravina.
“We haven’t played a knock-out match at a World Cup since we played the final against France in 2006. Italy shouldn’t limit itself to qualification. We need to look ahead and to do this, we need to build a pathway for youngsters,” Malagò stated, highlighting the need for long-term development and a renewed focus on youth.
New Leadership and Player Allegiances
The upcoming Nations League matches in late September and early October will mark the first competitive outings under Malagò’s presidency, with fixtures against Belgium, Türkiye, and France on the horizon. These games will also be the first since Mancini’s return as CT and Ranieri’s appointment as the FIGC’s technical director.
The new era has already seen movement in player allegiances. Cagliari midfielder Alessandro Romano, who previously represented Switzerland at youth international level, has officially switched to play for Italy. Malagò attributed Romano’s decision to the efforts of Ranieri and Mancini, and hinted that Romano is not an isolated case.
“Romano chose Italy because of the work done by Claudio Ranieri and Roberto Mancini,” Malagò explained. “But he’s not the only one. There are several other lads who have the choice as to whether to represent their mother or father’s nation. We’re working on that.” This suggests a proactive approach by the new leadership to attract eligible players to the national setup.
Accountability and Future Outlook
Malagò also touched upon the principle of accountability for football federation presidents. He suggested that it is appropriate for an FA president to step down if the national team fails to achieve the minimum goal of World Cup participation, implicitly endorsing Gravina’s resignation.
The new leadership faces the challenge of rebuilding confidence among supporters and creating a strong team capable of consistent performance. Malagò acknowledged the many variables involved but stressed the importance of avoiding situations where a single game could lead to significant controversy and disappointment.
With a clear mandate for ambition and a focus on developing talent, the Italian national team is embarking on a new chapter, aiming to restore its status at the pinnacle of international football.